Treatment of ophthalmic conditions with angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7) inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides methods of treating patients having an ophthalmic condition, methods of identifying subjects having an increased risk of developing an ophthalmic condition, methods of detecting human angiopoietin like 7 (ANGPTL7) variant nucleic acid molecules and variant polypeptides, and ANGPTL7 variant nucleic acid molecules and variant polypeptides.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

This application includes a Sequence Listing submitted electronically asa text file named 18923801611SEQ, created on Sep. 24, 2020, with a sizeof 111 kilobytes. The Sequence Listing is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the treatment of patientshaving ophthalmic conditions with angiopoietin like 7 (ANGPTL7)inhibitors, methods of identifying subjects having an increased risk ofdeveloping ophthalmic conditions, methods of detecting ANGPTL7 variantnucleic acid molecules and variant polypeptides, and ANGPTL7 variantnucleic acid molecules and ANGPTL7 variant polypeptides.

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is a collection of disorders that damage the optic nerve of theeye and can result in partial vision loss and blindness. Several typesof glaucoma exist, the primary form being open-angle glaucoma, wherebyfluid within the eye builds up and increases the pressure inside the eye(intraocular pressure; IOP) to a level that may damage the optic nerve.In low-tension or normal-tension glaucoma, optic nerve damage andnarrowed side vision occur in people with normal ocular pressure. Inangle-closure glaucoma, the fluid at the front of the eye cannot drainproperly, which may lead to a sudden increase in ocular pressure. Incongenital glaucoma, children are born with a defect in the eye thatslows the normal drainage of fluid. Glaucoma treatments include drugtherapy, laser trabeculoplasty, and conventional surgery. While thesetreatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight alreadylost from glaucoma.

ANGPTL7 is a secreted glycoprotein structurally related to theangiopoietin family of growth factors. ANGPTL7 contains C-terminal(fibrinogen-like) and N-terminal (coiled) domains. ANGPTL7 ispredominantly found in the stromal layer of the cornea and theextracellular matrix of the trabecular meshwork.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides methods of treating a patient havingincreased IOP, the method comprising administering an ANGPTL7 inhibitorto the patient.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patienthaving glaucoma, the method comprising administering an ANGPTL7inhibitor to the patient.

In some embodiments, the methods further comprise detecting the presenceor absence of an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a biological samplefrom the patient. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule is: a genomic nucleicacid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2; anmRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5; or acDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNA moleculehas a nucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule is: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a uracil at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:6; or a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisinga thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQID NO:9. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule is: a genomic nucleic acid molecule havinga nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a position correspondingto position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132; an mRNA molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135; or a cDNA molecule producedfrom an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotidesequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position481 according to SEQ ID NO:138. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule is: a genomicnucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenineat a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ IDNO:133; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136; or a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein thecDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139. Insome embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule is: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position574 according to SEQ ID NO:137; or a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisinga cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQID NO:140.

In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least aportion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample, the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, or the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample.

In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises: contacting thenucleic acid molecule in the biological sample with analteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label, and detectingthe detectable label.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patient witha therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits an ophthalmic condition,wherein the patient is suffering from an ophthalmic condition, themethod comprising the steps of: determining whether the patient has anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide by: obtaining or having obtained abiological sample from the patient; and performing or having performed agenotyping assay on the biological sample to determine if the patienthas a genotype comprising the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantnucleic acid molecule; and when the patient is ANGPTL7 reference, thenadministering or continuing to administer to the patient the therapeuticagent that treats or inhibits the ophthalmic condition in a standarddosage amount, and administering to the patient an ANGPTL7 inhibitor;and when the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant, then administering or continuing to administerto the patient the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits theophthalmic condition in an amount that is the same as or lower than astandard dosage amount, and administering to the patient an ANGPTL7inhibitor; wherein the presence of a genotype having the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encoding thehuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide indicates the patient has a reduced risk ofdeveloping the ophthalmic condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 shows a Manhattan plot depicting association of rare (NAF<0.01),protein-altering variants (including those predicted to affect splicing)with IOP in individuals of European descent in the meta-analysis of theUKB and GHS studies. Significance thresholds: 1×10⁻⁵ (blue line) and5×10⁻⁸ (red line).

FIGS. 2A-2F show the association of Gln175His (FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2E) andArg177* (FIG. 2B, FIG. 2D, and FIG. 2F) variants in ANGPTL7 with IOP andglaucoma in individuals of European descent; the effect for associationwith IOP is measured in standard deviation units; association p-valueswere calculated using BOLT-LMM adjusted for age, age squared, sex, topprincipal components and, for UKB, genotyping array and assessmentcenter (FIGS. 2A and 2B); boxplots representing Goldmann-correlated(IOPg) in the UK Biobank across genotypes (FIGS. 2C and 2D); Gln175Hisheterozygous and homozygous carriers have a 0.8-mmHg and 4.1-mmHg lowermedian IOPg, respectively, compared to non-carriers (FIG. 2C); Arg177*heterozygous carriers have a 1.4-mmHg lower IOPg compared tonon-carriers (FIG. 2D); association with glaucoma was conducted acrossfour series for Gln175His and Arg177*. GHS VCRome: Geisinger ˜60,000individuals, captured with VCRome; GHS IDT: ˜85,000 individuals,captured with IDT; UKB: UK Biobank; MSSM: Mt. Sinai Medical School BioMeBiobank; MDCS: Malmo Diet and Cancer Study (FIGS. 2E and 2F);AAF=alternative allele frequency.

FIG. 3 shows missense and predicted loss-of-function (pLOF) variants inANGPTL7 and IOP levels in individuals of European descent. The plotsrepresent Goldmann-correlated IOP (mean of both eyes) levels in carriersof 1 pLOF and 6 missense variants in ANGPTL7 that are predicteddeleterious by five different algorithms and have at least 4 carrierswith IOP measurements in about 150,000 individuals in the UK Biobank forwhom exome sequence data are available. The median IOP level acrosscarriers of all 34 pLOF and predicted-deleterious missense ANGPTL7variants (15.11 mmHg) is indicated by the red line, and the median IOPin non-variant carriers (15.51 mmHg) is indicated by the blue line.Magenta diamonds mark the median IOP in carriers of each variant.Beneath the plots is the median and interquartile range of IOP and thenumbers of carriers that are glaucoma cases and controls for eachvariant.

FIGS. 4A-4E show ANGPTL7 expression in ocular tissues across species;RNA-sequencing-based expression levels (measured in transcripts permillion, TPM) are highest in cornea, trabecular meshwork (TM), andsclera in human (FIG. 4A), and African green monkey (FIG. 4B) eyes, andin cornea, TM, sclera, optic nerve, and choroid/RPE in C57BL/6J mice(FIG. 4C). In situ hybridization (RNAScope) shows ANGPTL7/Angptl7 (red)expression in TM, cornea and sclera in human (FIG. 4D) and murine (FIG.4E) eyes. DAPI staining (blue) counterstains cell nuclei. RPE: retinalpigmented epithelium; CB: ciliary body; SC: Schlemm's canal; CM: ciliarymuscle; AC: anterior chamber; TM: trabecular meshwork; RGC: retinalganglion cell; INL: inner nuclear layer; ONL: outer nuclear layer.

FIG. 5 shows dexamethasone (DEX)-induced gene expression changes inthree human trabecular meshwork (hTM) primary cell lines from threeindependent human eyes, measured with quantitative PCR (qPCR); hTM cellswere treated with DEX for 72 hours followed by qPCR analysis; DEXtreatment increased ANGPTL7 expression in two out of three HTM celllines; Ctrl represents untreated cells and EtOH represents ethanoltreatment; ata are presented as means±standard error across tworeplicates, one-way ANOVA, *p=0.01, **p=0.001, ***p=0.0001.

FIG. 6A shows increasing mAngptl7 levels in mouse eyes increases IOP.Murine Angptl7 (mAngptl7) protein was injected into mouse eyes viaintravitreal route and IOP was measured over time. After an initialdrop, IOP was elevated in Angptl7-treated eyes compared to control eyes.Data are presented as means±SEM.

FIG. 6B shows Increasing mAngptl7 levels in mouse eyes increases IOP.Murine Angptl7 (mAngptl7) protein was injected into mouse eyes viaintracameral route and IOP was measured over time. After an initialdrop, IOP was elevated in Angptl7-treated eyes compared to control eyes.Data are presented as means±SEM.

FIG. 7A shows association of Trp188* in ANGPTL7 with IOP in individualsof African ancestry across two cohorts;

FIG. 7B shows association of Trp188* in ANGPTL7 with glaucoma inindividuals of African ancestry across two cohorts.

FIG. 7C shows Meta-analysis of the European-enriched Arg177*, and theAfrican-enriched Trp188*, pLOF variants in ANGPTL7 for IOP. The Arg177*variant is represented by the cohorts labeled ‘EUR’, which include onlyEuropean ancestry individuals. The Trp188* variant is represented by thecohorts labeled ‘AFR’, which include only African ancestry individuals.

FIG. 7D shows Meta-analysis of the European-enriched Arg177*, and theAfrican-enriched Trp188*, pLOF variants in ANGPTL7 for glaucoma. TheArg177* variant is represented by the cohorts labeled ‘EUR’, whichinclude only European ancestry individuals. The Trp188* variant isrepresented by the cohorts labeled ‘AFR’, which include only Africanancestry individuals.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the expression of two variants of ANGPTL7(Gln175His and Arg177Stop) in HEK 293 whole cell lysates; FIG. 8C andFIG. 8D shows a drastic decrease of the Gln175His variant observed inthe cell supernatant compared to the wild type ANGPTL7; FIG. 8E showsArg177Stop variant unable to be secreted in the supernatant.

FIG. 9A shows an RT-PCR analysis of ANGPTL7 wild type and variants at 48hours from HEK293 transfection. Expression values are calculatedrelative to GAPDH housekeeping gene.

FIG. 9B shows western blotting showing intracellular protein levels ofANGPTL7 wild type, ANGPTL7 Gln175His and ANGPTL7 Arg177*.

FIG. 9C shows ELISA assay showing intracellular protein levels ofANGPTL7 wild type, ANGPTL7 Gln175His and ANGPTL7 Arg177*. Forquantification each cell lysate was diluted 1:1,000.

FIG. 9D shows western blotting showing extracellular protein levels ofANGPTL7 wild type, ANGPTL7 Gln175His and ANGPTL7 Arg177*. The analysiswere repeated on three independent biological replicates.

FIG. 9E shows ELISA assay showing extracellular protein levels ofANGPTL7 wild type, ANGPTL7 Gln175His and ANGPTL7 Arg177*. Forquantification each supernatant was diluted 1:10,000. Western blottingand ELISA analysis were repeated on three independent biologicalreplicates. Technical replicates (n=3) were run for RT-PCR and ELISAanalysis.

FIG. 10 shows IOP lowering in Angptl7 KO mice.

DESCRIPTION

Various terms relating to aspects of the present disclosure are usedthroughout the specification and claims. Such terms are to be giventheir ordinary meaning in the art, unless otherwise indicated. Otherspecifically defined terms are to be construed in a manner consistentwith the definitions provided herein.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that itssteps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a methodclaim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-expressed basis for interpretation, including matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number ortype of aspects described in the specification.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “subject” and “patient” are usedinterchangeably. A subject may include any animal, including mammals.Mammals include, but are not limited to, farm animals (such as, forexample, horse, cow, pig), companion animals (such as, for example, dog,cat), laboratory animals (such as, for example, mouse, rat, rabbits),and non-human primates. In some embodiments, the subject is a human.

As used herein, a “nucleic acid,” a “nucleic acid molecule,” a “nucleicacid sequence,” a “polynucleotide,” or an “oligonucleotide” can comprisea polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, can comprise DNA and/orRNA, and can be single-stranded, double-stranded, or multiple stranded.One strand of a nucleic acid also refers to its complement.

As used herein, the term “comprising” may be replaced with “consisting”or “consisting essentially of” in particular embodiments as desired.

An “isolated” nucleic acid molecule is a polynucleotide that is in acondition other than its native environment, such as apart from bloodand animal tissue. In a preferred form, the isolated nucleic acidmolecule is substantially free of other polynucleotides, particularlyother polynucleotides of animal origin. It is preferred to provide thenucleic acid molecule in a highly purified form, i.e., greater than 95%pure, more preferably greater than 99% pure. When used in this context,the term “isolated” does not exclude the presence of the same nucleicacid molecule in alternative physical forms, such as dimers oralternatively phosphorylated or derivatized forms.

Certain variations in the ANGPTL7 gene associate with a decreased riskof developing ophthalmic conditions, such as increased IOP and glaucoma,in human subjects. For example, a genetic alteration that changes thecytosine nucleotide of position 4,291 in the human ANGPTL7 reference(see, SEQ ID NO:1) to thymine or changes the guanine nucleotide ofposition 4,287 in the human ANGPTL7 reference (see, SEQ ID NO:1) tothymine has been observed to indicate that the human having such analteration may have a decreased risk of developing ophthalmicconditions, such as increased IOP and glaucoma. Altogether, the geneticanalyses described herein indicate that particular variants in theANGPTL7 gene associate with a decreased risk of developing ophthalmicconditions, such as increased IOP and glaucoma. Therefore, humansubjects that are ANGPTL7 reference that have an increased risk ofdeveloping an ophthalmic condition, such as increased IOP and glaucoma,may be treated such that the ophthalmic condition is prevented, thesymptoms thereof are reduced, and/or development of symptoms isrepressed. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides isolated ANGPTL7variant genomic nucleic acid molecules, variant mRNA molecule, andvariant cDNA molecules. Additionally, the disclosure provides methods ofleveraging the identification of such variants in subjects to identifyor stratify risk in such subjects of developing ophthalmic conditions,such as increased IOP and glaucoma, or to diagnose subjects as having anincreased risk of developing ophthalmic conditions, such as increasedIOP and glaucoma, such that subjects at risk or subjects with activedisease may be treated accordingly. Accordingly, provided herein areANGPTL7 loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecules discovered to beassociated with a decreased risk of developing ophthalmic conditions,such as increased IOP and glaucoma.

For purposes of the present disclosure, any particular human can becategorized as having one of three ANGPTL7 genotypes: i) ANGPTL7reference; ii) heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant, and iii) homozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant. A human in the ANGPTL7 reference category does not have a copyof an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule.A human in the heterozygous ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantcategory has a single copy of an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule. An ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule is any ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule (suchas, a genomic nucleic acid molecule, an mRNA molecule, or a cDNAmolecule produced from the mRNA molecule) encoding an ANGPTL7polypeptide having a partial loss-of-function, a completeloss-of-function, a predicted partial loss-of-function, or a predictedcomplete loss-of-function. A human who has an ANGPTL7 polypeptide havinga partial loss-of-function (or predicted partial loss-of-function) ishypomorphic for ANGPTL7. The ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantnucleic acid molecule is believed to be any nucleic acid moleculeencoding ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Lys192Gln, Phe161Ile,Trp188Stop, Arg340His, Arg220His, Asn302Lys, or Arg220Cys. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Lys192Gln, Phe161Ile, orTrp188Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop,Trp188Stop, Lys192Gln, or Phe161Ile. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Gln175His, Trp188Stop, or Arg177Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Gln175His. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Arg177Stop. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Trp188Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Lys192Gln. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Phe161Ile. A human in thehomozygous ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant category has twocopies of an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule.

For human subjects or patients that are genotyped or determined to beANGPTL7 reference, such human subjects or patients have an increasedrisk of developing ophthalmic conditions, such as increased IOP,pre-glaucoma, glaucoma, and decreased corneal hysteresis. For humansubjects or patients that are genotyped or determined to be eitherANGPTL7 reference or heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant, such human subjects or patients can be treatedwith an ANGPTL7 inhibitor.

The present disclosure provides methods of treating a patient havingglaucoma, the methods comprising administering an ANGPTL7 inhibitor tothe patient. In some embodiments, the glaucoma is primary open-angleglaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, congenitalglaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, steroid-induced glaucoma, or glaucomarelated to ocular trauma.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patienthaving increased IOP, the methods comprising administering an ANGPTL7inhibitor to the patient. In some embodiments, the increased IOP iscorneal compensated IOP (IOPcc) or Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg).

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patienthaving pre-glaucoma, the methods comprising administering an ANGPTL7inhibitor to the patient.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patienthaving decreased corneal hysteresis, the methods comprisingadministering an ANGPTL7 inhibitor to the patient.

In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 inhibitor comprises an antisensemolecule. Examples of antisense molecules include, but are not limitedto, antisense nucleic acid molecules, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs),and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). Such antisense molecules can bedesigned to target any region of an ANGPTL7 mRNA. In some embodiments,the antisense RNA, siRNA, or shRNA hybridizes to a sequence within anANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule or mRNA molecule and decreasesexpression of the ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a cell in the subject. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 inhibitor comprises an antisense RNA thathybridizes to an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule or mRNA moleculeand decreases expression of the ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a cell in thesubject. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 inhibitor comprises an siRNAthat hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule or mRNAmolecule and decreases expression of the ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a cellin the subject. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 inhibitor comprises anshRNA that hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule ormRNA molecule and decreases expression of the ANGPTL7 polypeptide in acell in the subject.

In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 inhibitor comprises a nuclease agentthat induces one or more nicks or double-strand breaks at a recognitionsequence(s) or a DNA-binding protein that binds to a recognitionsequence within an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule. Therecognition sequence can be located within a coding region of theANGPTL7 gene, or within regulatory regions that influence the expressionof the gene. A recognition sequence of the DNA-binding protein ornuclease agent can be located in an intron, an exon, a promoter, anenhancer, a regulatory region, or any non-protein coding region. Therecognition sequence can include or be proximate to the start codon ofthe ANGPTL7 gene. For example, the recognition sequence can be locatedfrom about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1,000nucleotides of the start codon. As another example, two or more nucleaseagents can be used, each targeting a nuclease recognition sequenceincluding or proximate to the start codon. As another example, twonuclease agents can be used, one targeting a nuclease recognitionsequence including or proximate to the start codon, and one targeting anuclease recognition sequence including or proximate to the stop codon,wherein cleavage by the nuclease agents can result in deletion of thecoding region between the two nuclease recognition sequences. Anynuclease agent that induces a nick or double-strand break into a desiredrecognition sequence can be used in the methods and compositionsdisclosed herein. Any DNA-binding protein that binds to a desiredrecognition sequence can be used in the methods and compositionsdisclosed herein.

Suitable nuclease agents and DNA-binding proteins for use hereininclude, but are not limited to, zinc finger protein or zinc fingernuclease (ZFN) pair, Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE)protein or Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease (TALEN), orClustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems. The length of the recognitionsequence can vary, and includes, for example, recognition sequences thatare about 30-36 bp for a zinc finger protein or ZFN pair (i.e., about15-18 bp for each ZFN), about 36 bp for a TALE protein or TALEN, andabout 20 bp for a CRISPR/Cas guide RNA.

In some embodiments, CRISPR/Cas systems can be used to modify an ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule within a cell. The methods andcompositions disclosed herein can employ CRISPR-Cas systems by utilizingCRISPR complexes (comprising a guide RNA (gRNA) complexed with a Casprotein) for site-directed cleavage of ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecules.

Cas proteins generally comprise at least one RNA recognition or bindingdomain that can interact with gRNAs. Cas proteins can also comprisenuclease domains (such as, for example, DNase or RNase domains), DNAbinding domains, helicase domains, protein-protein interaction domains,dimerization domains, and other domains. Suitable Cas proteins include,for example, a wild type Cas9 protein and a wild type Cpf1 protein (suchas, for example, FnCpf1). A Cas protein can have full cleavage activityto create a double-strand break in an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule or it can be a nickase that creates a single-strand break in anANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule. Additional examples of Casproteins include, but are not limited to, Cas1, Cas1B, Cast, Cas3, Cas4,Cas5, Cas5e (CasD), Cas6, Cas6e, Cas6f, Cas7, Cas8a1, Cas8a2, Cas8b,Cas8c, Cas9 (Csn1 or Csx12), Cas10, Cas10d, CasF, CasG, CasH, Csy1,Csy2, Csy3, Cse1 (CasA), Cse2 (Cas6), Cse3 (CasE), Cse4 (CasC), Csc1,Csc2, Csa5, Csn2, Csm2, Csm3, Csm4, Csm5, Csm6, Cmr1, Cmr3, Cmr4, Cmr5,Cmr6, Csb1, Csb2, Csb3, Csx17, Csx14, Csx10, Csx16, CsaX, Csx3, Csx1,Csx15, Csf1, Csf2, Csf3, Csf4, and Cu1966, and homologs or modifiedversions thereof. Cas proteins can also be operably linked toheterologous polypeptides as fusion proteins. For example, a Cas proteincan be fused to a cleavage domain, an epigenetic modification domain, atranscriptional activation domain, or a transcriptional repressordomain. Cas proteins can be provided in any form. For example, a Casprotein can be provided in the form of a protein, such as a Cas proteincomplexed with a gRNA. Alternately, a Cas protein can be provided in theform of a nucleic acid molecule encoding the Cas protein, such as an RNAor DNA.

In some embodiments, targeted genetic modifications of ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecules can be generated by contacting a cell with a Casprotein and one or more gRNAs that hybridize to one or more gRNArecognition sequences within a target genomic locus in the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule. For example, a gRNA recognition sequencecan be located in a region of SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, the gRNArecognition sequence includes or is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:1, position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:1, position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:1,position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:1, or position 4,336 according toSEQ ID NO:1. For example, the gRNA recognition sequence can be locatedfrom about 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20,15, 10, or 5 nucleotides of a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:1. The gRNA recognition sequence can be locatedfrom about 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20,15, 10, or 5 nucleotides of a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:1. The gRNA recognition sequence can be locatedfrom about 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20,15, 10, or 5 nucleotides of a position corresponding to position 4,243according to SEQ ID NO:1. The gRNA recognition sequence can be locatedfrom about 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20,15, 10, or 5 nucleotides of a position corresponding to position 4,325according to SEQ ID NO:1. The gRNA recognition sequence can be locatedfrom about 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20,15, 10, or 5 nucleotides of a position corresponding to position 4,336according to SEQ ID NO:1. As yet another example, a gRNA recognitionsequence can include or be proximate to the start codon of an ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule or the stop codon of an ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule. For example, the gRNA recognition sequence can belocated from about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1,000nucleotides of the start codon or the stop codon.

The gRNA recognition sequences within a target genomic locus in anANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule are located near a ProtospacerAdjacent Motif (PAM) sequence, which is a 2-6 base pair DNA sequenceimmediately following the DNA sequence targeted by the Cas9 nuclease.The canonical PAM is the sequence 5′-NGG-3′ where “N” is any nucleobasefollowed by two guanine (“G”) nucleobases. gRNAs can transport Cas9 toanywhere in the genome for gene editing, but no editing can occur at anysite other than one at which Cas9 recognizes PAM. In addition, 5′-NGA-3′can be a highly efficient non-canonical PAM for human cells. Generally,the PAM is about 2-6 nucleotides downstream of the DNA sequence targetedby the gRNA. The PAM can flank the gRNA recognition sequence. In someembodiments, the gRNA recognition sequence can be flanked on the 3′ endby the PAM. In some embodiments, the gRNA recognition sequence can beflanked on the 5′ end by the PAM. For example, the cleavage site of Casproteins can be about 1 to about 10, about 2 to about 5 base pairs, orthree base pairs upstream or downstream of the PAM sequence. In someembodiments (such as when Cas9 from S. pyogenes or a closely relatedCas9 is used), the PAM sequence of the non-complementary strand can be5′-NGG-3′, where N is any DNA nucleotide and is immediately 3′ of thegRNA recognition sequence of the non-complementary strand of the targetDNA. As such, the PAM sequence of the complementary strand would be5′-CCN-3′, where N is any DNA nucleotide and is immediately 5′ of thegRNA recognition sequence of the complementary strand of the target DNA.

A gRNA is an RNA molecule that binds to a Cas protein and targets theCas protein to a specific location within an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule. One exemplary gRNA is a gRNA effective to direct a Casenzyme to bind to or cleave an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule,wherein the gRNA comprises a DNA-targeting segment that hybridizes to agRNA recognition sequence within the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule that includes or is proximate to a position corresponding toposition 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:1, or that includes or isproximate to a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:1, or that includes or is proximate to a position corresponding toposition 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:1, or that includes or isproximate to a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQID NO:1, or that includes or is proximate to a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:1. For example, a gRNA can beselected such that it hybridizes to a gRNA recognition sequence that islocated from about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100, 200, 300,400, 500, or 1,000 nucleotides of a position corresponding to position4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:1. A gRNA can also be selected such that ithybridizes to a gRNA recognition sequence that is located from about 5,10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1,000nucleotides of a position corresponding to position 4,287 according toSEQ ID NO:1. A gRNA can also be selected such that it hybridizes to agRNA recognition sequence that is located from about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1,000 nucleotides of aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:1. AgRNA can also be selected such that it hybridizes to a gRNA recognitionsequence that is located from about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1,000 nucleotides of a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:1. A gRNA canalso be selected such that it hybridizes to a gRNA recognition sequencethat is located from about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100,200, 300, 400, 500, or 1,000 nucleotides of a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:1. Other exemplary gRNAs comprisea DNA-targeting segment that hybridizes to a gRNA recognition sequencewithin an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that is located in aregion of SEQ ID NO:1. Other exemplary gRNAs comprise a DNA-targetingsegment that hybridizes to a gRNA recognition sequence within an ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule that includes or is proximate to the startcodon or the stop codon. For example, a gRNA can be selected such thatit hybridizes to a gRNA recognition sequence that is located from about5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1,000nucleotides of the start codon or located from about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1,000 nucleotides of thestart codon or stop codon. The design and synthesis of gRNAs aredescribed in, for example, Mali et al., Science, 2013, 339, 823-826;Jinek et al., Science, 2012, 337, 816-821; Hwang et al., Nat.Biotechnol., 2013, 31, 227-229; Jiang et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 2013,31, 233-239; and Cong et al., Science, 2013, 339, 819-823. SuitablegRNAs can comprise from about 17 to about 23 nucleotides, from about 18to about 22 nucleotides, or from about 19 to about 21 nucleotides. Insome embodiments, the gRNAs can comprise 20 nucleotides.

Examples of suitable gRNA recognition sequences of the human ANGPTL7reference gene are set forth in SEQ ID NOS:13-131 and 144-165 (see,Tables 1-9).

TABLE 1 Guide RNA Recognition  Sequences Near ANGPTL7Arg177Stop Variation Guide RNA SEQ Strand Recognition Sequence ID NO: +CTGCAGGGACAGGAACAGGTTGG 13 + CAGAGTATCCCCTCTGCTTCAGG 14 +GGCTCTGCAGGGACAGGAACAGG 15 + GCTTCAGGTGTTCTGTGACATGG 16 +TGCAGGGACAGGAACAGGTTGGG 17 + TCTACTGGCTCTGCAGGGACAGG 18 −CCTTCTACCGGGACTGGAAGCAG 19 − CCGTGGGGACTTCTGGCTGGGGA 20 −CCGGGACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGC 21 − CCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGGACT 22 −CCACCGGCTCTCCAGACAGCCAA 23 − CCGGCTCTCCAGACAGCCAACCC 24 +TGGAGACTTCAGGCGGAGGCTGG 25 + TGTGACATGGAGACTTCAGGCGG 26 +TTCTGTGACATGGAGACTTCAGG 27 + GACATGGAGACTTCAGGCGGAGG 28 −CCATGACTGGACCAGTGCCACCA 29 − CCCGGCTGCGTGTAGAGATGGAG 30 −CCGGCTGCGTGTAGAGATGGAGG 31 − CCAACCCGGCTGCGTGTAGAGAT 32 −CCAGGGGCCCCATGACTGGACCA 33 − CCCCATGACTGGACCAGTGCCAC 34

TABLE 2 Guide RNA Recognition Sequences Near ANGPTL7 Gln175His VariationGuide RNA SEQ Strand Recognition Sequence ID NO: −CTGCTTCCAGTCCCGGTAGAAGG 35 + TTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGGACTGG 36 +GCGGGAGTGCACACATCTACTGG 37 + GGACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGG 38 +GACATGGAGACTTCAGGCGGAGG 28 + GTGGCCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGG 39 +TGGAGACTTCAGGCGGAGGCTGG 25 − TACTCTGGTGAGGGACTTGCAGG 40 −ACTCTGGTGAGGGACTTGCAGGG 41 − GCTTGTACTGCTTCCAGTCCCGG 42 −AGTCCCGGTAGAAGGAGACAAGG 43 + CACACATCTACTGGCTCTGCAGG 44 −CAAGGCCACTTTTTCGTCTATGG 45 + GACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGGG 46 −GCAGAGGGGATACTCTGGTGAGG 47 + CAGAGTATCCCCTCTGCTTCAGG 14 +TTCTGTGACATGGAGACTTCAGG 27 − CTCTGGTGAGGGACTTGCAGGGG 48 −CAGAGGGGATACTCTGGTGAGGG 49 − ACTTTTTCGTCTATGGATGATGG 50 +TGGCCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGG 51 + AAGCAGTACAAGCAGGGCTTTGG 52 +GCTTCAGGTGTTCTGTGACATGG 16 − CTGAAGCAGAGGGGATACTCTGG 53 −TCACAGAACACCTGAAGCAGAGG 54 + ACACATCTACTGGCTCTGCAGGG 55 +ATCATCCATAGACGAAAAAGTGG 56 + TGTGACATGGAGACTTCAGGCGG 26 +TCTACTGGCTCTGCAGGGACAGG 18

TABLE 3 Guide RNA Recognition Sequences Near ANGPTL7 Arg220His VariationGuide RNA SEQ Strand Recognition Sequence ID NO: +ATGACCGCGTACAACTCCGGGGG 57 + CATGACCGCGTACAACTCCGGGG 58 −GGCACCCCCGGAGTTGTACGCGG 59 − GAGTTGTACGCGGTCATGTGTGG 60 +ACATGACCGCGTACAACTCCGGG 61 + CACATGACCGCGTACAACTCCGG 62 −TTGTACGCGGTCATGTGTGGTGG 63 + TTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGGACTGG 36 −CTGCTTCCAGTCCCGGTAGAAGG 35 + TGGGGAACGAACACATCCACCGG 64 +GGACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGG 38 − GGTGGCACTGGTCCAGTCATGGG 65 −CAGAATAGGAATGGCACCCCCGG 66 − GTGGCACTGGTCCAGTCATGGGG 67 −GCGGTCATGTGTGGTGGCACTGG 68 − TGGTGGCACTGGTCCAGTCATGG 69 +GTGGCCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGG 39 + GCAGCATCCGTGGGGACTTCTGG 70 +CATCCGTGGGGACTTCTGGCTGG 71 − GCTTGTACTGCTTCCAGTCCCGG 42 −AGTCCCGGTAGAAGGAGACAAGG 43 + GGCTCTCCAGACAGCCAACCCGG 72 +ATCCGTGGGGACTTCTGGCTGGG 73 + GACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGGG 46 −TTGGCTGTCTGGAGAGCCGGTGG 74 − TGGTCCAGTCATGGGGCCCCTGG 75 −GATTTGTCTTGAATCAGAATAGG 76 + AACCCGGCTGCATGTAGAGATGG 77 −CTCCATCTCTACATGCAGCCGGG 78 + TGGCCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGG 51 +AAGCAGTACAAGCAGGGCTTTGG 52 + TAGAGATGGAGGTAAGCACAAGG 79 +TCCGTGGGGACTTCTGGCTGGGG 80

TABLE 4 Guide RNA Recognition Sequences Near ANGPTL7 Arg220Cys VariationGuide RNA SEQ Strand Recognition Sequence ID NO: +ATGACCGCGTACAACTCCGGGGG 57 + CATGACCGCGTACAACTCCGGGG 58 −GGCACCCCCGGAGTTGTACGCGG 59 − GAGTTGTACGCGGTCATGTGTGG 60 +ACATGACCGCGTACAACTCCGGG 61 + CACATGACCGCGTACAACTCCGG 62 −TTGTACGCGGTCATGTGTGGTGG 63 + TTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGGACTGG 36 −CTGCTTCCAGTCCCGGTAGAAGG 35 + TGGGGAACGAACACATCCACCGG 64 +GGACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGG 38 − GGTGGCACTGGTCCAGTCATGGG 65 −CAGAATAGGAATGGCACCCCCGG 66 − GTGGCACTGGTCCAGTCATGGGG 67 −GCGGTCATGTGTGGTGGCACTGG 68 − TGGTGGCACTGGTCCAGTCATGG 69 +CATCCGTGGGGACTTCTGGCTGG 71 + GCAGCATCCGTGGGGACTTCTGG 70 +GTGGCCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGG 39 − GCTTGTACTGCTTCCAGTCCCGG 42 +GGCTCTCCAGACAGCCAACCCGG 72 − AGTCCCGGTAGAAGGAGACAAGG 43 +ATCCGTGGGGACTTCTGGCTGGG 73 + GACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGGG 46 −TGGTCCAGTCATGGGGCCCCTGG 75 − TTGGCTGTCTGGAGAGCCGGTGG 74 −GATTTGTCTTGAATCAGAATAGG 76 − ATCTCTACACACAGCCGGGTTGG 81 +AAGCAGTACAAGCAGGGCTTTGG 52 + TGGCCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGG 51 +TAGAGATGGAGGTAAGCACAAGG 79 + TCCGTGGGGACTTCTGGCTGGGG 80 +AACCCGGCTGTGTGTAGAGATGG 82 − CCTCCATCTCTACACACAGCCGG 83

TABLE 5 Guide RNA Recognition Sequences Near ANGPTL7 Asn302Lys VariationGuide RNA SEQ Strand Recognition Sequence ID NO: +CAATGGAGTGTACTACCGCCTGG 84 + AATGGAGTGTACTACCGCCTGGG 85 +TACCTACTCCCTCAAACGGGTGG 86 − TTTCATCTCCACCCGTTTGAGGG 87 +ACAGTCAACTTACTAGCACTGGG 88 − TTTTCATCTCCACCCGTTTGAGG 89 +GGGTGAGCACAATAAGCACCTGG 90 + ATGGCATCACCTGGTATGGCTGG 91 −CTCCACCCGTTTGAGGGAGTAGG 92 − GGTGCTTATTGTGCTCACCCAGG 93 +CTAACTCCTTACCTGATGTCTGG 94 + CACAGTCAACTTACTAGCACTGG 95 −CAGTTGTACCAGTAGCCACCTGG 96 − GATAGACCAGACATCAGGTAAGG 97 −TCAGGTAAGGAGTTAGAGCCAGG 98 + GATCTACCTACTCCCTCAAACGG 99 −AGATCCATGCCAGCCATACCAGG 100 − GCTTATTGTGCTCACCCAGGCGG 101 −CATACCAGGTGATGCCATCCAGG 102 + ATCTACCTACTCCCTCAAACGGG 103 −ACTGTGATAGACCAGACATCAGG 104 + TTCTCATGCCAGGTGGCTACTGG 105 +CTGGATGGCATCACCTGGTATGG 106 + AGCACCTGGATGGCATCACCTGG 107 +ATCACCTGGTATGGCTGGCATGG 108 − GTAGTACACTCCATTGAGTTTGG 109 +GAGCACAATAAGCACCTGGATGG 110 − CAGGTAAGGAGTTAGAGCCAGGG 111 +CTGGGTCTGTTTCTCATGCCAGG 112 + TTTGGTATTCTTTCTGACCCTGG 113 −GTCAGAAAGAATACCAAAACCGG 114 + GGTCTGTTTCTCATGCCAGGTGG 115

TABLE 6 Guide RNA Recognition Sequences Near ANGPTL7 Arg340His VariationGuide RNA SEQ Strand Recognition Sequence ID NO: +CAATGGAGTGTACTACCGCCTGG 84 + AATGGAGTGTACTACCGCCTGGG 85 −GGCGGTAGTACACTCCATTGAGG 116 + TACCTACTCCCTCAAACGGGTGG 86 −GTAGTACACTCCATTGAGGTTGG 117 − TTTCATCTCCACCCGTTTGAGGG 87 −TTTTCATCTCCACCCGTTTGAGG 89 + GGGTGAGCACAATAAGCACCTGG 90 +ATGGCATCACCTGGTATGGCTGG 91 − GGTGCTTATTGTGCTCACCCAGG 93 −CTCCACCCGTTTGAGGGAGTAGG 92 − GTTTCTGTATCCGTGCTCCACGG 118 +AAACTGAGACACGTGGAGACTGG 119 − GCTTATTGTGCTCACCCAGGCGG 101 +GATCTACCTACTCCCTCAAACGG 99 − AGATCCATGCCAGCCATACCAGG 100 +GCCTTAAAAGGAGGCTGCCGTGG 120 − CATACCAGGTGATGCCATCCAGG 102 +ATCTACCTACTCCCTCAAACGGG 103 + GACACGTGGAGACTGGATGAGGG 121 −TCCACGGCAGCCTCCTTTTAAGG 122 + CTGGATGGCATCACCTGGTATGG 106 +AGCACCTGGATGGCATCACCTGG 107 + ATCACCTGGTATGGCTGGCATGG 108 +TGCACAGACTCCAACCTCAATGG 123 + GAGCACAATAAGCACCTGGATGG 110 +AGACACGTGGAGACTGGATGAGG 124 + AGACTTCAAGCCTTAAAAGGAGG 125 −TTTAAGGCTTGAAGTCTTCTGGG 126 − AAGGCTTGAAGTCTTCTGGGTGG 127 −TTTTAAGGCTTGAAGTCTTCTGG 128 + GATACAGAAACTGAGACACGTGG 129 +AAGGAGGCTGCCGTGGAGCACGG 130 + AGAAGACTTCAAGCCTTAAAAGG 131

TABLE 7 Guide RNA Recognition Sequences Near ANGPTL7 Phe161Ile VariationGuide RNA  SEQ  Strand Recognition Sequence ID NO: −ACAGAACACCTGAAGCAGAGGGG 144 − ACAGAACACCTGAAGCAGAGGGG 145 −CACAGAACACCTGAAGCAGAGGG 146 + CAGAGTATCCCCTCTGCTTCAGG 147 −ACTCTGGTGAGGGACTTGCAGGG 148 − TACTCTGGTGAGGGACTTGCAGG 149 −GCAGAGGGGATACTCTGGTGAGG 150 + GCTTCAGGTGTTCTGTGACATGG 151 −CAGAGGGGATACTCTGGTGAGGG 152

TABLE 8 Guide RNA Recognition Sequences Near ANGPTL7Trp188STOP Variation Guide RNA  SEQ  Strand Recognition SequenceID NO: + TTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGGACTGG 153 + GTGGCCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGG 154 +TGGCCTTGTCTCCTTCTACCGGG 155 + GACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGGG 156 +GGACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGG 157 − CTGCTTCCAGTCCCGGTAGAAGG 158 −GCTTGTACTGCTTCCAGTCCCGG 159 − AGTCCCGGTAGAAGGAGACAAGG 160

TABLE 9 Guide RNA Recognition Sequences Near ANGPTL7 Lys192Gln Variation Guide RNA  SEQ  Strand Recognition Sequence ID NO: +GACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGGG 156 + GGACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGCAGG 157 −GGACTGGAAGCAGTACAAGC 159 + AAGCAGTACAAGCAGGGCTTTGG 161 +CAGGGCTTTGGCAGCATCCGTGG 162 + AGGGCTTTGGCAGCATCCGTGGG 163 +GGGCTTTGGCAGCATCCGTGGGG 164 − TCCCCAGCCAGAAGTCCCCACGG 165

The Cas protein and the gRNA form a complex, and the Cas protein cleavesthe target ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule. The Cas protein cancleave the nucleic acid molecule at a site within or outside of thenucleic acid sequence present in the target ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule to which the DNA-targeting segment of a gRNA will bind. Forexample, formation of a CRISPR complex (comprising a gRNA hybridized toa gRNA recognition sequence and complexed with a Cas protein) can resultin cleavage of one or both strands in or near (such as, for example,within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 50, or more base pairs from)the nucleic acid sequence present in the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule to which a DNA-targeting segment of a gRNA will bind.

Such methods can result, for example, in an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule in which a region of SEQ ID NO:1 is disrupted, the start codonis disrupted, the stop codon is disrupted, or the coding sequence isdeleted. Optionally, the cell can be further contacted with one or moreadditional gRNAs that hybridize to additional gRNA recognition sequenceswithin the target genomic locus in the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule. By contacting the cell with one or more additional gRNAs (suchas, for example, a second gRNA that hybridizes to a second gRNArecognition sequence), cleavage by the Cas protein can create two ormore double-strand breaks or two or more single-strand breaks.

In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 inhibitor comprises a small molecule.In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 inhibitor is6,11-dihydro[1]benzothiopyrano[4,3-b]indole (PD146176), 2-bromophenol,2,4-dibromophenol,2-(1-thienyl)ethyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzylidenecyanoacetate (TEDC),4,4′-(2,3-dimethyl-1,4-butanediyl)bis-1,2-benzenediol(nordihydroguaiaretic acid), or cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-a-cyanocinnamate(CDC).

In some embodiments, the methods further comprise detecting the presenceor absence of an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a biological samplefrom the patient. As used throughout the present disclosure an “ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule” is any ANGPTL7nucleic acid molecule (such as, for example, genomic nucleic acidmolecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNA molecule) encoding an ANGPTL7polypeptide having a partial loss-of-function, a completeloss-of-function, a predicted partial loss-of-function, or a predictedcomplete loss-of-function. For example, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule can be any nucleic acidmolecule encoding ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Trp188Stop, Lys192Gln,Phe161Ile, Arg340His, Arg220His, Asn302Lys, or Arg220Cys. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Trp188Stop, Lys192Gln,or Phe161Ile. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Gln175His, Trp188Stop, or Arg177Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Gln175His. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Arg177Stop. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Trp188Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Lys192Gln. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Phe161Ile.

In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantnucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2; ii) an mRNA molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5; or iii) a cDNA molecule producedfrom an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotidesequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position529 according to SEQ ID NO:8.

In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantnucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3; ii) an mRNA molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6; or iii) a cDNA molecule producedfrom an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotidesequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position525 according to SEQ ID NO:9 In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleicacid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132; ii)an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135; oriii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNAmolecule has a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138.

In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantnucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133; ii) an mRNA molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136; or iii) a cDNA moleculeproduced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has anucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139.

In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantnucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134; ii) an mRNA molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137; or iii) a cDNA moleculeproduced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has anucleotide sequence comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140.

In some embodiments, when the patient is ANGPTL7 reference, the patientis also administered a therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits anophthalmic condition in a standard dosage amount. In some embodiments,when the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant, the patient is also administered a therapeuticagent that treats or inhibits an ophthalmic condition in a dosage amountthat is the same as or lower than the standard dosage amount.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patient witha therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits an ophthalmic condition,wherein the patient is suffering from an ophthalmic condition, themethod comprising the steps of: determining whether the patient has anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide by: obtaining or having obtained abiological sample from the patient; and performing or having performed agenotyping assay on the biological sample to determine if the patienthas a genotype comprising the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantnucleic acid molecule; and when the patient is ANGPTL7 reference, then:i) administering or continuing to administer to the patient thetherapeutic agent that treats or inhibits the ophthalmic condition in astandard dosage amount, and administering to the patient an ANGPTL7inhibitor; and when the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant, then: i) administering or continuing toadminister to the patient the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibitsthe ophthalmic condition in an amount that is the same as or lower thana standard dosage amount, and administering to the patient an ANGPTL7inhibitor; wherein the presence of a genotype having the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encoding thehuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide indicates the patient has a reduced risk ofdeveloping the ophthalmic condition. In some embodiments, the patient isANGPTL7 reference. In some embodiments, the patient is heterozygous foran ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patient witha therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits an ophthalmic condition,wherein the patient is suffering from an ophthalmic condition, themethod comprising the steps of: determining whether the patient has anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleicacid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2; ii)an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5; or iii)a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNAmolecule has a nucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8; by: obtaining orhaving obtained a biological sample from the patient; and performing orhaving performed a genotyping assay on the biological sample todetermine if the patient has a genotype comprising the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule; and when the patient isANGPTL7 reference, then administering or continuing to administer to thepatient the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits the ophthalmiccondition in a standard dosage amount, and administering to the patientan ANGPTL7 inhibitor; and when the patient is heterozygous for anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then administering orcontinuing to administer to the patient the therapeutic agent thattreats or inhibits the ophthalmic condition in an amount that is thesame as or lower than a standard dosage amount, and administering to thepatient an ANGPTL7 inhibitor; wherein the presence of a genotype havingthe ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide indicates the patient has areduced risk of developing the ophthalmic condition. In someembodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. In some embodiments, thepatient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patient witha therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits an ophthalmic condition,wherein the patient is suffering from an ophthalmic condition, themethod comprising the steps of: determining whether the patient has anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleicacid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3; ii)an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6; or iii)a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNAmolecule has a nucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9; by: obtaining orhaving obtained a biological sample from the patient; and performing orhaving performed a genotyping assay on the biological sample todetermine if the patient has a genotype comprising the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule; and when the patient isANGPTL7 reference, then administering or continuing to administer to thepatient the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits the ophthalmiccondition in a standard dosage amount, and administering to the patientan ANGPTL7 inhibitor; and when the patient is heterozygous for anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then administering orcontinuing to administer to the patient the therapeutic agent thattreats or inhibits the ophthalmic condition in an amount that is thesame as or lower than a standard dosage amount, and administering to thepatient an ANGPTL7 inhibitor; wherein the presence of a genotype havingthe ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide indicates the patient has areduced risk of developing the ophthalmic condition. In someembodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. In some embodiments, thepatient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patient witha therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits an ophthalmic condition,wherein the patient is suffering from an ophthalmic condition, themethod comprising the steps of: determining whether the patient has anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleicacid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132; ii)an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135; oriii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNAmolecule has a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138; by: obtainingor having obtained a biological sample from the patient; and performingor having performed a genotyping assay on the biological sample todetermine if the patient has a genotype comprising the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule; and when the patient isANGPTL7 reference, then administering or continuing to administer to thepatient the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits the ophthalmiccondition in a standard dosage amount, and administering to the patientan ANGPTL7 inhibitor; and when the patient is heterozygous for anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then administering orcontinuing to administer to the patient the therapeutic agent thattreats or inhibits the ophthalmic condition in an amount that is thesame as or lower than a standard dosage amount, and administering to thepatient an ANGPTL7 inhibitor; wherein the presence of a genotype havingthe ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide indicates the patient has areduced risk of developing the ophthalmic condition. In someembodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. In some embodiments, thepatient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patient witha therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits an ophthalmic condition,wherein the patient is suffering from an ophthalmic condition, themethod comprising the steps of: determining whether the patient has anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleicacid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133; ii)an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136; oriii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNAmolecule has a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139; by: obtainingor having obtained a biological sample from the patient; and performingor having performed a genotyping assay on the biological sample todetermine if the patient has a genotype comprising the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule; and when the patient isANGPTL7 reference, then administering or continuing to administer to thepatient the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits the ophthalmiccondition in a standard dosage amount, and administering to the patientan ANGPTL7 inhibitor; and when the patient is heterozygous for anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then administering orcontinuing to administer to the patient the therapeutic agent thattreats or inhibits the ophthalmic condition in an amount that is thesame as or lower than a standard dosage amount, and administering to thepatient an ANGPTL7 inhibitor; wherein the presence of a genotype havingthe ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide indicates the patient has areduced risk of developing the ophthalmic condition. In someembodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. In some embodiments, thepatient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of treating a patient witha therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits an ophthalmic condition,wherein the patient is suffering from an ophthalmic condition, themethod comprising the steps of: determining whether the patient has anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleicacid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134; ii)an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137; oriii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNAmolecule has a nucleotide sequence comprising a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140; by: obtainingor having obtained a biological sample from the patient; and performingor having performed a genotyping assay on the biological sample todetermine if the patient has a genotype comprising the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule; and when the patient isANGPTL7 reference, then administering or continuing to administer to thepatient the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits the ophthalmiccondition in a standard dosage amount, and administering to the patientan ANGPTL7 inhibitor; and when the patient is heterozygous for anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then administering orcontinuing to administer to the patient the therapeutic agent thattreats or inhibits the ophthalmic condition in an amount that is thesame as or lower than a standard dosage amount, and administering to thepatient an ANGPTL7 inhibitor; wherein the presence of a genotype havingthe ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide indicates the patient has areduced risk of developing the ophthalmic condition. In someembodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. In some embodiments, thepatient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant.

The ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule canbe any ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule (such as, for example, genomicnucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNA molecule) encoding anANGPTL7 polypeptide having a partial loss-of-function, a completeloss-of-function, a predicted partial loss-of-function, or a predictedcomplete loss-of-function. For example, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule can be any nucleic acidmolecule encoding ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Trp188Stop, Lys192Gln,Phe161Ile, Arg340His, Arg220His, Asn302Lys, or Arg220Cys. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Trp188Stop, or Arg177Stop. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Gln175His. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Arg177Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Trp188Stop. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Lys192Gln. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Phe161Ile.

Detecting the presence or absence of any of the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecules described herein in abiological sample from a patient and/or determining whether a patienthas an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculecan be carried out by any of the methods described herein. In someembodiments, these methods can be carried out in vitro. In someembodiments, these methods can be carried out in situ. In someembodiments, these methods can be carried out in vivo.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises sequencing at least a portion of the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule, the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule,or the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein thesequenced portion comprises variation(s) that cause a loss-of-function(partial or complete) or are predicted to cause a loss-of-function(partial or complete). For example, in some embodiments, the detectionstep, detecting step, or genotyping assay comprises sequencing at leasta portion of: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ IDNO:2, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 529 according toSEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, thenthe ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprisesa thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQID NO:8, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) contacting the biological sample with a primerhybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2; ii) a portionof the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQID NO:5; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7cDNA molecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position529 according to SEQ ID NO:8; b) extending the primer at least through:i) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQID NO:2; ii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5; and/oriii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNAmolecule corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8; and c)determining whether the extension product of the primer comprises: i) athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQID NO:2; ii) a uracil at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:5; and/or iii) a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) amplifying at least a portion of the nucleic acidmolecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portioncomprises: i) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof; ii) a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof; and/or iii) a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; b)labeling the amplified nucleic acid molecule with a detectable label; c)contacting the labeled nucleic acid molecule with a support comprisingan alteration-specific probe, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof; ii)the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a uracil at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) thenucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprisinga thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQID NO:8, or the complement thereof; and d) detecting the detectablelabel. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule is mRNA and thedetermining step further comprises reverse-transcribing the mRNA into acDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: contacting the nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample with an alteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label,wherein the alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequencewhich hybridizes under stringent conditions to: the nucleotide sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, orthe complement thereof; the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; and/orthe nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises sequencing at least a portion of: i) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises a position correspondingto position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof;ii) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7cDNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:9, or the complement thereof. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biological sample comprisesa thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:3, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantgenomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, then the ANGPTL7mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequenced portion ofthe ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprises a thymineat a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9,then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) contacting the biological sample with a primerhybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3; ii) a portionof the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQID NO:6; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7cDNA molecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position525 according to SEQ ID NO:9; b) extending the primer at least through:i) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:3; ii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6; and/oriii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNAmolecule corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9; and c)determining whether the extension product of the primer comprises: i) athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:3; ii) a uracil at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:6; and/or iii) a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) amplifying at least a portion of the nucleic acidmolecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portioncomprises: i) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof; ii) a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof; and/or iii) a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; b)labeling the amplified nucleic acid molecule with a detectable label; c)contacting the labeled nucleic acid molecule with a support comprisingan alteration-specific probe, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof; ii)the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a uracil at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) thenucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprisinga thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQID NO:9, or the complement thereof; and d) detecting the detectablelabel. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule is mRNA and thedetermining step further comprises reverse-transcribing the mRNA into acDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: contacting the nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample with an alteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label,wherein the alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequencewhich hybridizes under stringent conditions to: the nucleotide sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, orthe complement thereof; the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; and/orthe nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises sequencing at least a portion of: i) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises a position correspondingto position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof;ii) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135; or thecomplement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7cDNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138, or the complement thereof. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biological sample comprisesan adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243 according toSEQ ID NO:132, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantgenomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, thenthe ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprisesan adenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQID NO:138, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) contacting the biological sample with a primerhybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132; ii) aportion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQID NO:135; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138; b) extending the primer atleast through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position 4,243 accordingto SEQ ID NO:132; ii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135; and/or iii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138; and c) determining whether the extension product of the primercomprises: i) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243according to SEQ ID NO:132; ii) an adenine at a position correspondingto position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135; and/or iii) adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) amplifying at least a portion of the nucleic acidmolecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portioncomprises: i) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof; ii) an adenine ata position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135;and/or iii) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof; b) labeling theamplified nucleic acid molecule with a detectable label; c) contactingthe labeled nucleic acid molecule with a support comprising analteration-specific probe, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof;ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) thenucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprisingan adenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQID NO:138, or the complement thereof; and d) detecting the detectablelabel. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule is mRNA and thedetermining step further comprises reverse-transcribing the mRNA into acDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: contacting the nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample with an alteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label,wherein the alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequencewhich hybridizes under stringent conditions to: the nucleotide sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orthe complement thereof; the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof;and/or the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises sequencing at least a portion of: i) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises a position correspondingto position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof;ii) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or thecomplement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7cDNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:139, or the complement thereof. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biological sample comprisesan adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325 according toSEQ ID NO:133, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantgenomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, thenthe ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprisesan adenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQID NO:139, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) contacting the biological sample with a primerhybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133; ii) aportion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQID NO:136; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139; b) extending the primer atleast through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position 4,325 accordingto SEQ ID NO:133; ii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136 and/or iii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:139; and c) determining whether the extension product of the primercomprises: i) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325according to SEQ ID NO:133; ii) an adenine at a position correspondingto position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136; and/or iii) an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) amplifying at least a portion of the nucleic acidmolecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portioncomprises: i) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof; ii) an adenine ata position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, orthe complement thereof; and/or iii) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139 or thecomplement thereof; b) labeling the amplified nucleic acid molecule witha detectable label; c) contacting the labeled nucleic acid molecule witha support comprising an alteration-specific probe, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orthe complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at a position correspondingto position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof;and/or iii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof; and d)detecting the detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acidmolecule is mRNA and the determining step further comprisesreverse-transcribing the mRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: contacting the nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample with an alteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label,wherein the alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequencewhich hybridizes under stringent conditions to: the nucleotide sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orthe complement thereof; the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof;and/or the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises sequencing at least a portion of: i) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises a position correspondingto position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof;ii) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137; or thecomplement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7cDNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140, or the complement thereof. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biological sample comprisesa cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336 according toSEQ ID NO:134, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantgenomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, thenthe ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprisesa cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQID NO:140, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) contacting the biological sample with a primerhybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134; ii) aportion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQID NO:137; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140; b) extending the primer atleast through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position 4,336 accordingto SEQ ID NO:134; ii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137; and/or iii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140; and c) determining whether the extension product of the primercomprises: i) a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336according to SEQ ID NO:134; ii) a cytosine at a position correspondingto position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137; and/or iii) a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: a) amplifying at least a portion of the nucleic acidmolecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portioncomprises: i) a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof; ii) a cytosine ata position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137;and/or iii) a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof; b) labeling theamplified nucleic acid molecule with a detectable label; c) contactingthe labeled nucleic acid molecule with a support comprising analteration-specific probe, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof;ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) thenucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprisinga cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQID NO:140, or the complement thereof; and d) detecting the detectablelabel. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule is mRNA and thedetermining step further comprises reverse-transcribing the mRNA into acDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step, detecting step, or genotypingassay comprises: contacting the nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample with an alteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label,wherein the alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequencewhich hybridizes under stringent conditions to: the nucleotide sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orthe complement thereof; the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof;and/or the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In any of these embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule can be presentwithin a cell obtained from the human subject.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the ophthalmic condition isincreased IOP, pre-glaucoma, glaucoma, or decreased corneal hysteresis.In some embodiments, the ophthalmic condition is increased IOP. In someembodiments, the increased IOP is IOPcc or IOPg. In some embodiments,the ophthalmic condition is pre-glaucoma. In some embodiments, theophthalmic condition is glaucoma. In some embodiments, the glaucoma isprimary open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tensionglaucoma, congenital glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, steroid-inducedglaucoma, or glaucoma related to ocular trauma. In some embodiments, theophthalmic condition is decreased corneal hysteresis.

For human subjects or patients that are genotyped or determined to beeither ANGPTL7 reference or heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant, such human subjects or patients can be treatedwith an ANGPTL7 inhibitor, as described herein.

Examples of therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit the ophthalmiccondition include, but are not limited to: a prostaglandin, a betablocker, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, arho kinase inhibitor, or a miotic or cholinergic agent.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits theophthalmic condition is a prostaglandin. In some embodiments, theprostaglandin is XALATAN® (latanoprost), TRAVATAN Z° (travoprost),ZIOPTAN® (tafluprost), LUMIGAN® (bimatoprost), or VYZULTA®(latanoprostene bunod). In some embodiments, the prostaglandin islatanoprost, travoprost, tafluprost, bimatoprost, or latanoprostenebunod.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits theophthalmic condition is a beta blocker. In some embodiments, the betablocker is BETIMOL®, ISTALOL®, or TIMOPTIC® (timolol) or BETOPTIC®(betaxolol). In some embodiments, the beta blocker is timolol orbetaxolol.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits theophthalmic condition is an alpha-adrenergic agonist. In someembodiments, the alpha-adrenergic agonist is IOPIDINE® (apraclonidine)or ALPHAGAN® or QOLIANA® (brimonidine). In some embodiments, thealpha-adrenergic agonist is apraclonidine or brimonidine.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits theophthalmic condition is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. In someembodiments, the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor is TRUSOPT® (dorzolamide)or AZOPT® (brinzolamide). In some embodiments, the carbonic anhydraseinhibitor is dorzolamide or brinzolamide.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits theophthalmic condition is a rho kinase inhibitor. In some embodiments, therho kinase inhibitor is RHOPRESSA® (netarsudil). In some embodiments,the rho kinase inhibitor is netarsudil.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits theophthalmic condition is a miotic or cholinergic agent. In someembodiments, the miotic or cholinergic agent is ISOPTO® Carpine(pilocarpine). In some embodiments, the miotic or cholinergic agent ispilocarpine.

In some embodiments, the dose of the therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit the ophthalmic condition can be reduced by about 10%, by about20%, by about 30%, by about 40%, by about 50%, by about 60%, by about70%, by about 80%, or by about 90% for patients or human subjects thatare heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant(i.e., a lower than the standard dosage amount) compared to patients orhuman subjects that are ANGPTL7 reference (who may receive a standarddosage amount). In some embodiments, the dose of the therapeutic agentsthat treat or inhibit the ophthalmic condition can be reduced by about10%, by about 20%, by about 30%, by about 40%, or by about 50%. Inaddition, the dose of therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit theophthalmic condition in patients or human subjects that are heterozygousfor an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant can be administeredless frequently compared to patients or human subjects that are ANGPTL7reference.

Administration of the therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit theophthalmic condition and/or ANGPTL7 inhibitors can be repeated, forexample, after one day, two days, three days, five days, one week, twoweeks, three weeks, one month, five weeks, six weeks, seven weeks, eightweeks, two months, or three months. The repeated administration can beat the same dose or at a different dose. The administration can berepeated once, twice, three times, four times, five times, six times,seven times, eight times, nine times, ten times, or more. For example,according to certain dosage regimens a patient can receive therapy for aprolonged period of time such as, for example, 6 months, 1 year, ormore.

Administration of the therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit theophthalmic condition and/or ANGPTL7 inhibitors can occur by any suitableroute including, but not limited to, parenteral, intravenous, oral,subcutaneous, intra-arterial, intracranial, intrathecal,intraperitoneal, topical, intranasal, or intramuscular. Pharmaceuticalcompositions for administration are desirably sterile and substantiallyisotonic and manufactured under GMP conditions. Pharmaceuticalcompositions can be provided in unit dosage form (i.e., the dosage for asingle administration). Pharmaceutical compositions can be formulatedusing one or more physiologically and pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers, diluents, excipients or auxiliaries. The formulation dependson the route of administration chosen. The term “pharmaceuticallyacceptable” means that the carrier, diluent, excipient, or auxiliary iscompatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and notsubstantially deleterious to the recipient thereof.

The terms “treat”, “treating”, and “treatment” and “prevent”,“preventing”, and “prevention” as used herein, refer to eliciting thedesired biological response, such as a therapeutic and prophylacticeffect, respectively. In some embodiments, a therapeutic effectcomprises one or more of a decrease/reduction in an ophthalmiccondition, a decrease/reduction in the severity of an ophthalmiccondition (such as, for example, a reduction or inhibition ofdevelopment or an ophthalmic condition), a decrease/reduction insymptoms and ophthalmic condition-related effects, delaying the onset ofsymptoms and ophthalmic condition-related effects, reducing the severityof symptoms of the ophthalmic condition-related effects, reducing theseverity of an acute episode, reducing the number of symptoms andophthalmic condition-related effects, reducing the latency of symptomsand ophthalmic condition-related effects, an amelioration of symptomsand ophthalmic condition-related effects, reducing secondary symptoms,reducing secondary infections, preventing relapse to an ophthalmiccondition, decreasing the number or frequency of relapse episodes,increasing latency between symptomatic episodes, increasing time tosustained progression, expediting remission, inducing remission,augmenting remission, speeding recovery, or increasing efficacy of ordecreasing resistance to alternative therapeutics, and/or an increasedsurvival time of the affected host animal, following administration ofthe agent or composition comprising the agent. A prophylactic effect maycomprise a complete or partial avoidance/inhibition or a delay ofophthalmic condition development/progression (such as, for example, acomplete or partial avoidance/inhibition or a delay), and an increasedsurvival time of the affected host animal, following administration of atherapeutic protocol. Treatment of an ophthalmic condition encompassesthe treatment of patients already diagnosed as having any form of theophthalmic condition at any clinical stage or manifestation, the delayof the onset or evolution or aggravation or deterioration of thesymptoms or signs of the ophthalmic condition, and/or preventing and/orreducing the severity of the ophthalmic condition.

In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least aportion of the polypeptide that comprises positions corresponding to anypositions that are C-terminal to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11.In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing the entirepolypeptide. In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises animmunoassay for detecting the presence of a polypeptide that comprisespositions corresponding to any positions that are C-terminal to position176 according to SEQ ID NO:11.

In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least aportion of the polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding toposition 175 according to SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:12. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing the entirepolypeptide. In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises animmunoassay for detecting the presence of a polypeptide that comprises aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQID NO:12.

In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least aportion of the polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding toposition 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141 or SEQ ID NO:10. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing the entirepolypeptide. In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises animmunoassay for detecting the presence of a polypeptide that comprises aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141 or SEQID NO:10.

In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least aportion of the polypeptide that comprises positions corresponding to anypositions that are C-terminal to position 187 according to SEQ IDNO:142. In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing theentire polypeptide. In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises animmunoassay for detecting the presence of a polypeptide that comprisespositions corresponding to any positions that are C-terminal to position187 according to SEQ ID NO:142.

In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least aportion of the polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding toposition 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143 or SEQ ID NO:10. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing the entirepolypeptide. In some embodiments, the detecting step comprises animmunoassay for detecting the presence of a polypeptide that comprises aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143 or SEQID NO:10.

The present disclosure also provides methods of identifying a humansubject having an increased risk for developing an ophthalmic condition,wherein the method comprises: determining or having determined in abiological sample obtained from the subject the presence or absence ofan ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule(such as a genomic nucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, and/or cDNAmolecule) encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide; wherein: i) when thehuman subject lacks an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variantnucleic acid molecule (i.e., the human subject is genotypicallycategorized as an ANGPTL7 reference), then the human subject has anincreased risk for developing an ophthalmic condition; and ii) when thehuman subject has an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule (i.e., the human subject is categorized as heterozygousfor an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant or homozygous for anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant), then the human subject hasa decreased risk for developing an ophthalmic condition. Having a singlecopy of an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule confers protection to a human subject from developing anophthalmic condition.

Without intending to be limited to any particular theory or mechanism ofaction, it is believed that a single copy of an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule (i.e., heterozygous foran ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant) confers protection to ahuman subject from developing an ophthalmic condition, and it is alsobelieved that having two copies of an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule (i.e., homozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant) may confer more protection of a human subjectfrom developing an ophthalmic condition, relative to a human subjectwith a single copy. Thus, in some embodiments, a single copy of anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule may notbe completely protective, but instead, may be partially or incompletelyprotective of a human subject from developing an ophthalmic condition.While not desiring to be bound by any particular theory, there may beadditional factors or molecules involved in the development ofophthalmic conditions that are still present in a human subject having asingle copy of an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule, thus resulting in less than complete protection from thedevelopment of an ophthalmic condition.

The present disclosure also provides methods of identifying a humansubject having an increased risk for developing an ophthalmic condition,wherein the method comprises: detecting the presence or absence of anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a biological sample from thepatient, wherein the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof; ii) an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof; or iii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisinga thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQID NO:8, or the complement thereof; wherein: when the human subject isANGPTL7 reference, then the human subject has an increased risk fordeveloping an ophthalmic condition; and when the human subject isheterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant orhomozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then thehuman subject has a decreased risk for developing an ophthalmiccondition. In some embodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. Insome embodiments, the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of identifying a humansubject having an increased risk for developing an ophthalmic condition,wherein the method comprises: detecting the presence or absence of anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a biological sample from thepatient, wherein the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof; ii) an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof; or iii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisinga thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQID NO:9, or the complement thereof; wherein: when the human subject isANGPTL7 reference, then the human subject has an increased risk fordeveloping an ophthalmic condition; and when the human subject isheterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant orhomozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then thehuman subject has a decreased risk for developing an ophthalmiccondition. In some embodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. Insome embodiments, the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of identifying a humansubject having an increased risk for developing an ophthalmic condition,wherein the method comprises: detecting the presence or absence of anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a biological sample from thepatient, wherein the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof; ii) an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, orthe complement thereof; or iii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisingan adenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQID NO:138, or the complement thereof; wherein: when the human subject isANGPTL7 reference, then the human subject has an increased risk fordeveloping an ophthalmic condition; and when the human subject isheterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant orhomozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then thehuman subject has a decreased risk for developing an ophthalmiccondition. In some embodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. Insome embodiments, the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of identifying a humansubject having an increased risk for developing an ophthalmic condition,wherein the method comprises: detecting the presence or absence of anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a biological sample from thepatient, wherein the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof; ii) an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, orthe complement thereof; or iii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisingan adenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQID NO:139, or the complement thereof; wherein: when the human subject isANGPTL7 reference, then the human subject has an increased risk fordeveloping an ophthalmic condition; and when the human subject isheterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant orhomozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then thehuman subject has a decreased risk for developing an ophthalmiccondition. In some embodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. Insome embodiments, the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of identifying a humansubject having an increased risk for developing an ophthalmic condition,wherein the method comprises: detecting the presence or absence of anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide in a biological sample from thepatient, wherein the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule is: i) a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof; ii) an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, orthe complement thereof; or iii) a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisinga cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQID NO:140, or the complement thereof; wherein: when the human subject isANGPTL7 reference, then the human subject has an increased risk fordeveloping an ophthalmic condition; and when the human subject isheterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant orhomozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, then thehuman subject has a decreased risk for developing an ophthalmiccondition. In some embodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. Insome embodiments, the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant.

The ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule canbe any ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule (such as, for example, genomicnucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNA molecule) encoding anANGPTL7 polypeptide having a partial loss-of-function, a completeloss-of-function, a predicted partial loss-of-function, or a predictedcomplete loss-of-function. For example, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule can be any nucleic acidmolecule encoding ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Trp188Stop, Lys192Gln,Phe161Ile, Arg340His, Arg220His, Asn302Lys, or Arg220Cys. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Trp188Stop, Lys192Gln,or Phe161Ile. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Gln175His, Trp188Stop, or Arg177Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Gln175His. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Arg177Stop. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Trp188Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Lys192Gln. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Phe161Ile.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the ophthalmic condition isincreased IOP, pre-glaucoma, glaucoma, or decreased corneal hysteresis.In some embodiments, the ophthalmic condition is increased IOP. In someembodiments, the increased IOP is IOPcc or IOPg. In some embodiments,the ophthalmic condition is pre-glaucoma. In some embodiments, theophthalmic condition is glaucoma. In some embodiments, the glaucoma isprimary open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tensionglaucoma, congenital glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma, steroid-inducedglaucoma, or glaucoma related to ocular trauma. In some embodiments, theophthalmic condition is decreased corneal hysteresis.

Determining or having determined in a sample obtained from the subjectthe presence or absence of the particular nucleic acid molecules can becarried out by any of the methods described herein. In some embodiments,these methods can be carried out in vitro. In some embodiments, thesemethods can be carried out in situ. In some embodiments, these methodscan be carried out in vivo.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises sequencing at leasta portion of: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ IDNO:2, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 529 according toSEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, thenthe ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprisesa thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQID NO:8, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) contacting thebiological sample with a primer hybridizing to: i) a portion of thenucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQID NO:2; ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:5; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8; b) extending theprimer at least through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequence ofthe ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2; ii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:5; and/or iii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8; and c) determining whether the extensionproduct of the primer comprises: i) a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2; ii) a uracilat a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5;and/or iii) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) amplifying atleast a portion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the humanANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, orthe complement thereof; ii) a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; oriii) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according toSEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; b) labeling the amplifiednucleic acid molecule with a detectable label; c) contacting the labelednucleic acid molecule with a support comprising an alteration-specificprobe, wherein the alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotidesequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleicacid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQID NO:2, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof; or iii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at a position correspondingto position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; andd) detecting the detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acidmolecule is mRNA and the determining step further comprisesreverse-transcribing the mRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: contacting thenucleic acid molecule in the biological sample with analteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleotide sequence ofthe amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or thecomplement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; oriii) the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises sequencing at leasta portion of: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ IDNO:3, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 525 according toSEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, thenthe ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprisesa thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQID NO:9, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) contacting thebiological sample with a primer hybridizing to: i) a portion of thenucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:3; ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:6; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9; b) extending theprimer at least through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequence ofthe ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3; ii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:6; and/or iii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9; and c) determining whether the extensionproduct of the primer comprises: i) a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3; ii) a uracilat a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6;and/or iii) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) amplifying atleast a portion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the humanANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, orthe complement thereof; ii) a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; oriii) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according toSEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; b) labeling the amplifiednucleic acid molecule with a detectable label; c) contacting the labelednucleic acid molecule with a support comprising an alteration-specificprobe, wherein the alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotidesequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleicacid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:3, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof; or iii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at a position correspondingto position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; andd) detecting the detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acidmolecule is mRNA and the determining step further comprisesreverse-transcribing the mRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: contacting thenucleic acid molecule in the biological sample with analteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleotide sequence ofthe amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or thecomplement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; oriii) the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In some embodiments, determining step comprises sequencing at least aportion of: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ IDNO:132, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 481 according toSEQ ID NO:135; or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, then the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological samplecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135, then the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant mRNAmolecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in thebiological sample comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) contacting thebiological sample with a primer hybridizing to i) a portion of thenucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQID NO:132; ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138; b) extendingthe primer at least through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132; ii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135; and/or iii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138; and c) determining whether the extensionproduct of the primer comprises: i) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132; ii) anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135; and/or iii) adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) amplifying atleast a portion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the humanANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orthe complement thereof; ii) an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135; and/or iii) an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, orthe complement thereof; b) labeling the amplified nucleic acid moleculewith a detectable label; c) contacting the labeled nucleic acid moleculewith a support comprising an alteration-specific probe, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orthe complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at a position correspondingto position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof;and/or iii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof; and d)detecting the detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acidmolecule is mRNA and the determining step further comprisesreverse-transcribing the mRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: contacting thenucleic acid molecule in the biological sample with analteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: the nucleotide sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or thecomplement thereof; the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof;and/or the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises sequencing at leasta portion of: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ IDNO:133, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 563 according toSEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, then the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological samplecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136, then the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant mRNAmolecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in thebiological sample comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) contacting thebiological sample with a primer hybridizing to: i) a portion of thenucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQID NO:133; ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139; b) extendingthe primer at least through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133; ii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136 and/or iii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139; and c) determining whether the extensionproduct of the primer comprises: i) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133; ii) anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136; and/or iii) an adenine at a position corresponding to position563 according to SEQ ID NO:139.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) amplifying atleast a portion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the humanANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orthe complement thereof; ii) an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof;and/or iii) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139 or the complement thereof; b) labeling theamplified nucleic acid molecule with a detectable label; c) contactingthe labeled nucleic acid molecule with a support comprising analteration-specific probe, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof;ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) thenucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprisingan adenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQID NO:139, or the complement thereof; and d) detecting the detectablelabel. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule is mRNA and thedetermining step further comprises reverse-transcribing the mRNA into acDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: contacting thenucleic acid molecule in the biological sample with analteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: the nucleotide sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or thecomplement thereof; the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof;and/or the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises sequencing at leasta portion of: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ IDNO:134, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 574 according toSEQ ID NO:137; or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, then the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological samplecomprises a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137, then the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant mRNAmolecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in thebiological sample comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) contacting thebiological sample with a primer hybridizing to: i) a portion of thenucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that isproximate to a position corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQID NO:134; ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140; b) extendingthe primer at least through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134; ii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137; and/or iii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140; and c) determining whether the extensionproduct of the primer comprises: i) a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134; ii) acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137; and/or iii) a cytosine at a position corresponding to position574 according to SEQ ID NO:140.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: a) amplifying atleast a portion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the humanANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orthe complement thereof; ii) a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137; and/or iii) a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, orthe complement thereof; b) labeling the amplified nucleic acid moleculewith a detectable label; c) contacting the labeled nucleic acid moleculewith a support comprising an alteration-specific probe, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orthe complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising a cytosine at a position correspondingto position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof;and/or iii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof; and d)detecting the detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acidmolecule is mRNA and the determining step further comprisesreverse-transcribing the mRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the determining step comprises: contacting thenucleic acid molecule in the biological sample with analteration-specific probe comprising a detectable label, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: the nucleotide sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or thecomplement thereof; the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof;and/or the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof; and detecting thedetectable label.

In any of these embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule can be presentwithin a cell obtained from the human subject.

In some embodiments, the human subject is further treated with atherapeutic agent that treats or inhibits the ophthalmic conditionand/or an ANGPTL7 inhibitor, as described herein. For example, when thehuman subject is ANGPTL7 reference, and therefore has an increased riskfor developing an ophthalmic condition, the human subject isadministered an ANGPTL7 inhibitor. In some embodiments, such a patientis also administered a therapeutic agent that treats or inhibits theophthalmic condition. In some embodiments, when the patient isheterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant, thepatient is administered the therapeutic agent that treats or inhibitsthe ophthalmic condition in a dosage amount that is the same as or lowerthan the standard dosage amount, and is also administered an ANGPTL7inhibitor. In some embodiments, the patient is ANGPTL7 reference. Insome embodiments, the patient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant.

The present disclosure also provides methods of detecting the presenceof an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule, an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule,and/or an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule in abiological sample from a subject human. It is understood that genesequences within a population and mRNA molecules encoded by such genescan vary due to polymorphisms such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms.The sequences provided herein for the ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleicacid molecule, ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule, and ANGPTL7 variant cDNAmolecule are only exemplary sequences. Other sequences for the ANGPTL7variant genomic nucleic acid molecule, variant mRNA molecule, andvariant cDNA molecule are also possible.

The biological sample can be derived from any cell, tissue, orbiological fluid from the subject. The sample may comprise anyclinically relevant tissue, such as a bone marrow sample, a tumorbiopsy, a fine needle aspirate, or a sample of bodily fluid, such asblood, gingival crevicular fluid, plasma, serum, lymph, ascitic fluid,cystic fluid, or urine. In some cases, the sample comprises a buccalswab. The sample used in the methods disclosed herein will vary based onthe assay format, nature of the detection method, and the tissues,cells, or extracts that are used as the sample. A biological sample canbe processed differently depending on the assay being employed. Forexample, when detecting any ANGPTL7 variant nucleic acid molecule,preliminary processing designed to isolate or enrich the sample for thegenomic DNA can be employed. A variety of known techniques may be usedfor this purpose. When detecting the level of any ANGPTL7 variant mRNA,different techniques can be used enrich the biological sample with mRNA.Various methods to detect the presence or level of a mRNA or thepresence of a particular variant genomic DNA locus can be used.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting a human ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule in a human subjectcomprise assaying a biological sample obtained from the human subject todetermine whether an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule, an ANGPTL7mRNA molecule, or an ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological samplecomprises one or more variations that cause a loss-of-function (partialor complete) or are predicted to cause a loss-of-function (partial orcomplete). For example, in some embodiments, the methods of detecting ahuman ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculein a human subject comprise assaying a biological sample obtained fromthe subject to determine whether an ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising: i) athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQID NO:2, or the complement thereof, ii) a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof, or iii) a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof. Insome embodiments, the method is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting the presence or absence ofan ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule(such as, for example, a genomic nucleic acid molecule, an mRNAmolecule, and/or a cDNA molecule) in a human subject, comprise:performing an assay on a biological sample obtained from the humansubject, which assay determines whether a nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes: i) athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQID NO:2 (genomic nucleic acid molecule), ii) a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5 (mRNA molecule),or iii) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 accordingto SEQ ID NO:8 (cDNA molecule). In some embodiments, the biologicalsample comprises a cell or cell lysate. Such methods can furthercomprise, for example, obtaining a biological sample from the subjectcomprising an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule or mRNA molecule,and if mRNA, optionally reverse transcribing the mRNA into cDNA, andperforming an assay on the biological sample that determines that aposition of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule, mRNA, or cDNAencodes a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, respectively.Such assays can comprise, for example determining the identity of thesepositions of the particular ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the method is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises sequencing at least a portionof the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule,the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, or the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in thebiological sample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises one or morevariations that cause a loss-of-function (partial or complete). Forexample, in some embodiments, the assay comprises sequencing at least aportion of: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ IDNO:2, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 529 according toSEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; or iii) the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein thesequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, thenthe ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprisesa thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQID NO:8, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) contacting the biologicalsample with a primer hybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximateto a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2;ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA moleculethat is proximate to a position corresponding to position 529 accordingto SEQ ID NO:5; or iii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8; b) extending the primer at leastthrough: i) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position 4,291 accordingto SEQ ID NO:2; ii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ IDNO:5; or iii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7cDNA molecule corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8;and c) determining whether the extension product of the primercomprises: i) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2; ii) a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5; or iii) a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8. In someembodiments, the assay comprises sequencing the entire nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, only an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule is analyzed. In some embodiments, only an ANGPTL7 mRNA isanalyzed. In some embodiments, only an ANGPTL7 cDNA obtained fromANGPTL7 mRNA is analyzed.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) amplifying at least aportion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or thecomplement thereof; ii) a uracil at a position corresponding to position529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; or iii) athymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ IDNO:8, or the complement thereof; b) labeling the amplified nucleic acidmolecule with a detectable label; c) contacting the labeled nucleic acidmolecule with a support comprising an alteration-specific probe, whereinthe alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, orthe complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; oriii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; and d) detectingthe detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule ismRNA and the determining step further comprises reverse-transcribing themRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: contacting the nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample with an alteration-specific probecomprising a detectable label, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof; thenucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising auracil at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ IDNO:5, or the complement thereof; or the nucleotide sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof; and detecting the detectable label.Alteration-specific polymerase chain reaction techniques can be used todetect mutations such as SNPs in a nucleic acid sequence.Alteration-specific primers can be used because the DNA polymerase willnot extend when a mismatch with the template is present.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting a human ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule in a human subjectcomprise assaying a biological sample obtained from the subject todetermine whether an ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising: i) a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, orthe complement thereof, ii) a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof, oriii) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according toSEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the methodis an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting the presence or absence ofan ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule(such as, for example, a genomic nucleic acid molecule, an mRNAmolecule, and/or a cDNA molecule) in a human subject, comprise:performing an assay on a biological sample obtained from the humansubject, which assay determines whether a nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes: i) athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:3 (genomic nucleic acid molecule), ii) a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6 (mRNA molecule),or iii) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 accordingto SEQ ID NO:9 (cDNA molecule). In some embodiments, the biologicalsample comprises a cell or cell lysate. Such methods can furthercomprise, for example, obtaining a biological sample from the subjectcomprising an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule or mRNA molecule,and if mRNA, optionally reverse transcribing the mRNA into cDNA, andperforming an assay on the biological sample that determines that aposition of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule, mRNA, or cDNAencodes a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, respectively.Such assays can comprise, for example determining the identity of thesepositions of the particular ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the method is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises sequencing at least a portionof the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule,the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, or the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in thebiological sample, wherein the sequenced portion comprises one or morevariations that cause a loss-of-function (partial or complete). Forexample, in some embodiments, the assay comprises sequencing at least aportion of: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ IDNO:3, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 525 according toSEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; or iii) the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein thesequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, then the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When the sequenced portion of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, thenthe ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant mRNA molecule. When the sequencedportion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample comprisesa thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQID NO:9, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample is anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) contacting the biologicalsample with a primer hybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximateto a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3;ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA moleculethat is proximate to a position corresponding to position 525 accordingto SEQ ID NO:6; or iii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9; b) extending the primer at leastthrough: i) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position 4,287 accordingto SEQ ID NO:3; ii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:6; or iii) the position of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7cDNA molecule corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9;and c) determining whether the extension product of the primercomprises: i) a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3; ii) a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6; or iii) a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9. In someembodiments, the assay comprises sequencing the entire nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, only an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule is analyzed. In some embodiments, only an ANGPTL7 mRNA isanalyzed. In some embodiments, only an ANGPTL7 cDNA obtained fromANGPTL7 mRNA is analyzed.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) amplifying at least aportion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or thecomplement thereof; ii) a uracil at a position corresponding to position525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; or iii) athymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:9, or the complement thereof; b) labeling the amplified nucleic acidmolecule with a detectable label; c) contacting the labeled nucleic acidmolecule with a support comprising an alteration-specific probe, whereinthe alteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, orthe complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; oriii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; and d) detectingthe detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule ismRNA and the determining step further comprises reverse-transcribing themRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: contacting the nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample with an alteration-specific probecomprising a detectable label, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof; thenucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising auracil at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:6, or the complement thereof; or the nucleotide sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof; and detecting the detectable label.Alteration-specific polymerase chain reaction techniques can be used todetect mutations such as SNPs in a nucleic acid sequence.Alteration-specific primers can be used because the DNA polymerase willnot extend when a mismatch with the template is present.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting a human ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule in a human subjectcomprise assaying a biological sample obtained from the subject todetermine whether an ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising: i) an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orthe complement thereof, ii) an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof, oriii) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according toSEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, themethod is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting the presence or absence ofan ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule(such as, for example, a genomic nucleic acid molecule, an mRNAmolecule, and/or a cDNA molecule) in a human subject, comprise:performing an assay on a biological sample obtained from the humansubject, which assay determines whether a nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes i) anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQID NO:132, or the complement thereof; ii) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135; and/or iii) anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138. In some embodiments, the biological sample comprises a cell orcell lysate. Such methods can further comprise, for example, obtaining abiological sample from the subject comprising an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule or mRNA molecule, and if mRNA, optionally reversetranscribing the mRNA into cDNA, and performing an assay on thebiological sample that determines that a position of the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule, mRNA, or cDNA encodes an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, an adenineat a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135,an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQID NO:138, respectively. Such assays can comprise, for exampledetermining the identity of these positions of the particular ANGPTL7nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the method is an in vitromethod.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises sequencing at least a portionof: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ IDNO:132, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 481 according toSEQ ID NO:135; or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, then the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological samplecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135, then the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant mRNAmolecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in thebiological sample comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) contacting the biologicalsample with a primer hybridizing to i) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximateto a position corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ IDNO:132; ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138; b) extendingthe primer at least through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132; ii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135; and/or iii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138; and c) determining whether the extensionproduct of the primer comprises: i) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132; ii) anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135; and/or iii) adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) amplifying at least aportion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or thecomplement thereof; ii) an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135; and/or iii) an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, orthe complement thereof; b) labeling the amplified nucleic acid moleculewith a detectable label; c) contacting the labeled nucleic acid moleculewith a support comprising an alteration-specific probe, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orthe complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at a position correspondingto position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof;and/or iii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof; and d)detecting the detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acidmolecule is mRNA and the determining step further comprisesreverse-transcribing the mRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: contacting the nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample with an alteration-specific probecomprising a detectable label, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof; thenucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135, or the complement thereof; and/or the nucleotide sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or thecomplement thereof; and detecting the detectable label.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting a human ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule in a human subjectcomprise assaying a biological sample obtained from the subject todetermine whether an ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising: i) an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orthe complement thereof, ii) an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof, oriii) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according toSEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, themethod is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting the presence or absence ofan ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule(such as, for example, a genomic nucleic acid molecule, an mRNAmolecule, and/or a cDNA molecule) in a human subject, comprise:performing an assay on a biological sample obtained from the humansubject, which assay determines whether a nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes i) anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQID NO:133; ii) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136; and/or iii) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139. In someembodiments, the biological sample comprises a cell or cell lysate. Suchmethods can further comprise, for example, obtaining a biological samplefrom the subject comprising an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule ormRNA molecule, and if mRNA, optionally reverse transcribing the mRNAinto cDNA, and performing an assay on the biological sample thatdetermines that a position of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule,mRNA, or cDNA encodes an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, an adenine at a position correspondingto position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, respectively.Such assays can comprise, for example determining the identity of thesepositions of the particular ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the method is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises sequencing at least a portionof: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ IDNO:133, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 563 according toSEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, then the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological samplecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136, then the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant mRNAmolecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in thebiological sample comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) contacting the biologicalsample with a primer hybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximateto a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ IDNO:133; ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139; b) extendingthe primer at least through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133; ii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136 and/or iii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139; and c) determining whether the extensionproduct of the primer comprises: i) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133; ii) anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136; and/or iii) an adenine at a position corresponding to position563 according to SEQ ID NO:139.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) amplifying at least aportion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or thecomplement thereof; ii) an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof;and/or iii) an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139 or the complement thereof; b) labeling theamplified nucleic acid molecule with a detectable label; c) contactingthe labeled nucleic acid molecule with a support comprising analteration-specific probe, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleicacid molecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof;ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid moleculecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof; and/or iii) thenucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprisingan adenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQID NO:139, or the complement thereof; and d) detecting the detectablelabel. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule is mRNA and thedetermining step further comprises reverse-transcribing the mRNA into acDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: contacting the nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample with an alteration-specific probecomprising a detectable label, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof; thenucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136, or the complement thereof; and/or the nucleotide sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or thecomplement thereof; and detecting the detectable label.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting a human ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule in a human subjectcomprise assaying a biological sample obtained from the subject todetermine whether an ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule in the biologicalsample comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising: i) a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orthe complement thereof, ii) a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof, oriii) a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according toSEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, themethod is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the methods of detecting the presence or absence ofan ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule(such as, for example, a genomic nucleic acid molecule, an mRNAmolecule, and/or a cDNA molecule) in a human subject, comprise:performing an assay on a biological sample obtained from the humansubject, which assay determines whether a nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes i) acytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQID NO:134; ii) a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137; and/or iii) a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140. In someembodiments, the biological sample comprises a cell or cell lysate. Suchmethods can further comprise, for example, obtaining a biological samplefrom the subject comprising an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule ormRNA molecule, and if mRNA, optionally reverse transcribing the mRNAinto cDNA, and performing an assay on the biological sample thatdetermines that a position of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule,mRNA, or cDNA encodes an a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, a cytosine ata position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140,respectively. Such assays can comprise, for example determining theidentity of these positions of the particular ANGPTL7 nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, the method is an in vitro method.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises sequencing at least a portionof: i) the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequenced portioncomprises a position corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ IDNO:134, or the complement thereof; ii) the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological sample, wherein the sequencedportion comprises a position corresponding to position 574 according toSEQ ID NO:137; or the complement thereof; and/or iii) the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in the biological sample, whereinthe sequenced portion comprises a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule in thebiological sample comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, then the ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule in the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant genomic nucleic acid molecule. When thesequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in the biological samplecomprises a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137, then the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule in thebiological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant mRNAmolecule. When the sequenced portion of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule in thebiological sample comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, then the ANGPTL7 cDNA moleculein the biological sample is an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant cDNA molecule.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) contacting the biologicalsample with a primer hybridizing to: i) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule that is proximateto a position corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ IDNO:134; ii) a portion of the nucleotide sequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNAmolecule that is proximate to a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137; and/or iii) a portion of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule that is proximate to a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140; b) extendingthe primer at least through: i) the position of the nucleotide sequenceof the ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule corresponding to position4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134; ii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137; and/or iii) the position of the nucleotidesequence of the ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140; and c) determining whether the extensionproduct of the primer comprises: i) a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134; ii) acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137; and/or iii) a cytosine at a position corresponding to position574 according to SEQ ID NO:140.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: a) amplifying at least aportion of the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the portion comprises: i) a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or thecomplement thereof; ii) a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137; and/or iii) a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, orthe complement thereof; b) labeling the amplified nucleic acid moleculewith a detectable label; c) contacting the labeled nucleic acid moleculewith a support comprising an alteration-specific probe, wherein thealteration-specific probe comprises a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes under stringent conditions to: i) the nucleic acid sequenceof the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orthe complement thereof; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplifiednucleic acid molecule comprising a cytosine at a position correspondingto position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof;and/or iii) the nucleic acid sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof; and d)detecting the detectable label. In some embodiments, the nucleic acidmolecule is mRNA and the determining step further comprisesreverse-transcribing the mRNA into a cDNA prior to the amplifying step.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises: contacting the nucleic acidmolecule in the biological sample with an alteration-specific probecomprising a detectable label, wherein the alteration-specific probecomprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes under stringentconditions to: the nucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acidmolecule comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof; thenucleotide sequence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or the complement thereof; and/or the nucleotide sequence of theamplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or thecomplement thereof; and detecting the detectable label.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule in the sample is mRNA andthe mRNA is reverse-transcribed into a cDNA prior to the amplifyingstep. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule is present within acell obtained from the human subject.

The ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule canbe any ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule (such as, for example, genomicnucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNA molecule) encoding anANGPTL7 polypeptide having a partial loss-of-function, a completeloss-of-function, a predicted partial loss-of-function, or a predictedcomplete loss-of-function. For example, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule can be any nucleic acidmolecule encoding ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Trp188Stop, Lys192Gln,Phe161Ile, Arg340His, Arg220His, Asn302Lys, or Arg220Cys. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Gln175His, Arg177Stop, Trp188Stop, Lys192Gln,or Phe161Ile. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predictedloss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Gln175His, Trp188Stop, or Arg177Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Gln175His. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Arg177Stop. In someembodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acidmolecule encodes ANGPTL7 Trp188Stop. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7Lys192Gln. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant nucleic acid molecule encodes ANGPTL7 Phe161Ile.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises contacting the biologicalsample with a primer or probe, such as an alteration-specific primer oralteration-specific probe, that specifically hybridizes to an ANGPTL7variant genomic sequence, variant mRNA sequence, or variant cDNAsequence and not the corresponding ANGPTL7 reference sequence understringent conditions, and determining whether hybridization hasoccurred.

In some embodiments, the assay comprises RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Insome embodiments, the assays also comprise reverse transcribing mRNAinto cDNA, such as by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chainreaction (RT-PCR).

In some embodiments, the methods utilize probes and primers ofsufficient nucleotide length to bind to the target nucleotide sequenceand specifically detect and/or identify a polynucleotide comprising anANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecule, variant mRNA molecule, orvariant cDNA molecule. The hybridization conditions or reactionconditions can be determined by the operator to achieve this result.This nucleotide length may be any length that is sufficient for use in adetection method of choice, including any assay described or exemplifiedherein. Such probes and primers can hybridize specifically to a targetnucleotide sequence under high stringency hybridization conditions.Probes and primers may have complete nucleotide sequence identity ofcontiguous nucleotides within the target nucleotide sequence, althoughprobes differing from the target nucleotide sequence and that retain theability to specifically detect and/or identify a target nucleotidesequence may be designed by conventional methods. Accordingly, probesand primers can share about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 91%, about92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%,about 99%, or 100% sequence identity or complementarity to thenucleotide sequence of the target nucleic acid molecule.

In some embodiments, to determine whether the ANGPTL7 nucleic acidmolecule (genomic nucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNAmolecule), or complement thereof, within a biological sample comprises anucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2 (genomic nucleic acid molecule),or a uracil at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQID NO:5 (mRNA molecule), or a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8 (cDNA molecule), the biologicalsample may be subjected to an amplification method using a primer pairthat includes a first primer derived from the 5′ flanking sequenceadjacent to a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, or a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, and a secondprimer derived from the 3′ flanking sequence adjacent to a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or auracil at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ IDNO:5, or a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 accordingto SEQ ID NO:8 to produce an amplicon that is indicative of the presenceof the SNP at positions comprising a thymine at a position correspondingto position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or a thymine ata position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8. Insome embodiments, the amplicon may range in length from the combinedlength of the primer pairs plus one nucleotide base pair to any lengthof amplicon producible by a DNA amplification protocol. This distancecan range from one nucleotide base pair up to the limits of theamplification reaction, or about twenty thousand nucleotide base pairs.Optionally, the primer pair flanks a region including positionscomprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, or a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, and at least 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nucleotides on each side ofpositions comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or a uracil at a position correspondingto position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8.

In some embodiments, to determine whether the ANGPTL7 nucleic acidmolecule (genomic nucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNAmolecule), or complement thereof, within a biological sample comprises anucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3 (genomic nucleic acid molecule),or a uracil at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQID NO:6 (mRNA molecule), or a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9 (cDNA molecule), the biologicalsample may be subjected to an amplification method using a primer pairthat includes a first primer derived from the 5′ flanking sequenceadjacent to a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, or a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, and a secondprimer derived from the 3′ flanking sequence adjacent to a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or auracil at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:6, or a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525 accordingto SEQ ID NO:9 to produce an amplicon that is indicative of the presenceof the SNP at positions comprising a thymine at a position correspondingto position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or a thymine ata position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9. Insome embodiments, the amplicon may range in length from the combinedlength of the primer pairs plus one nucleotide base pair to any lengthof amplicon producible by a DNA amplification protocol. This distancecan range from one nucleotide base pair up to the limits of theamplification reaction, or about twenty thousand nucleotide base pairs.Optionally, the primer pair flanks a region including positionscomprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, or a uracil at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, and at least 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nucleotides on each side ofpositions comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or a uracil at a position correspondingto position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9.

In some embodiments, to determine whether a ANGPTL7 nucleic acidmolecule (genomic nucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNAmolecule), or complement thereof, within a biological sample comprises anucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132 (genomic nucleic acidmolecule), or an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135 (mRNA molecule), or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138 (cDNAmolecule), the biological sample can be subjected to an amplificationmethod using a primer pair that includes a first primer derived from the5′ flanking sequence adjacent to an adenine at a position correspondingto position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138, and a second primer derived from the 3′ flanking sequenceadjacent to an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243according to SEQ ID NO:132, or an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138 to produce anamplicon that is indicative of the presence of the SNP at positionsencoding an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243according to SEQ ID NO:132, or an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138. In someembodiments, the amplicon may range in length from the combined lengthof the primer pairs plus one nucleotide base pair to any length ofamplicon producible by a DNA amplification protocol. This distance canrange from one nucleotide base pair up to the limits of theamplification reaction, or about twenty thousand nucleotide base pairs.Optionally, the primer pair flanks a region including positionscomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243according to SEQ ID NO:132, or an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, and at least1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nucleotides on each side ofpositions comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or an adenineat a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138.

In some embodiments, to determine whether a ANGPTL7 nucleic acidmolecule (genomic nucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNAmolecule), or complement thereof, within a biological sample comprises anucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133 (genomic nucleic acidmolecule), or an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136 (mRNA molecule), or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139 (cDNAmolecule), the biological sample can be subjected to an amplificationmethod using a primer pair that includes a first primer derived from the5′ flanking sequence adjacent to an adenine at a position correspondingto position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:139, and a second primer derived from the 3′ flanking sequenceadjacent to an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325according to SEQ ID NO:133, or an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139 to produce anamplicon that is indicative of the presence of the SNP at positionsencoding an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325according to SEQ ID NO:133, or an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139. In someembodiments, the amplicon may range in length from the combined lengthof the primer pairs plus one nucleotide base pair to any length ofamplicon producible by a DNA amplification protocol. This distance canrange from one nucleotide base pair up to the limits of theamplification reaction, or about twenty thousand nucleotide base pairs.Optionally, the primer pair flanks a region including positionscomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325according to SEQ ID NO:133, or an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, and at least1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nucleotides on each side ofpositions comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or an adenineat a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139.

In some embodiments, to determine whether a ANGPTL7 nucleic acidmolecule (genomic nucleic acid molecule, mRNA molecule, or cDNAmolecule), or complement thereof, within a biological sample comprises anucleotide sequence comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134 (genomic nucleic acidmolecule), or a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137 (mRNA molecule), or a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140 (cDNAmolecule), the biological sample can be subjected to an amplificationmethod using a primer pair that includes a first primer derived from the5′ flanking sequence adjacent to a cytosine at a position correspondingto position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140, and a second primer derived from the 3′ flanking sequenceadjacent to a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336according to SEQ ID NO:134, or a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140 to produce anamplicon that is indicative of the presence of the SNP at positionsencoding a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336according to SEQ ID NO:134, or a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140. In someembodiments, the amplicon may range in length from the combined lengthof the primer pairs plus one nucleotide base pair to any length ofamplicon producible by a DNA amplification protocol. This distance canrange from one nucleotide base pair up to the limits of theamplification reaction, or about twenty thousand nucleotide base pairs.Optionally, the primer pair flanks a region including positionscomprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336according to SEQ ID NO:134, or a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, and at least1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nucleotides on each side ofpositions comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or a cytosineat a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140.

PCR primer pairs can be derived from a known sequence, for example, byusing computer programs intended for that purpose, such as the PCRprimer analysis tool in Vector NTI version 10 (Informax Inc., BethesdaMd.); PrimerSelect (DNASTAR Inc., Madison, Wis.); and Primer3 (Version0.4.0©, 1991, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge,Mass.). Additionally, the sequence can be visually scanned and primersmanually identified using known guidelines.

A variety of techniques are available in the art including, for example,nucleic acid sequencing, nucleic acid hybridization, and nucleic acidamplification. Illustrative examples of nucleic acid sequencingtechniques include, but are not limited to, chain terminator (Sanger)sequencing and dye terminator sequencing.

Other methods involve nucleic acid hybridization methods other thansequencing, including using labeled primers or probes directed againstpurified DNA, amplified DNA, and fixed cell preparations (fluorescencein situ hybridization (FISH)). In some methods, a target nucleic acidmolecule may be amplified prior to or simultaneous with detection.Illustrative examples of nucleic acid amplification techniques include,but are not limited to, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ligase chainreaction (LCR), strand displacement amplification (SDA), and nucleicacid sequence based amplification (NASBA). Other methods include, butare not limited to, ligase chain reaction, strand displacementamplification, and thermophilic SDA (tSDA).

In hybridization techniques, stringent conditions can be employed suchthat a probe or primer will specifically hybridize to its target. Insome embodiments, a polynucleotide primer or probe under stringentconditions will hybridize to its target sequence to a detectably greaterdegree than to other non-target sequences, such as, at least 2-fold, atleast 3-fold, at least 4-fold, or more over background, including over10-fold over background. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide primer orprobe under stringent conditions will hybridize to its target nucleotidesequence to a detectably greater degree than to other nucleotidesequences by at least 2-fold. In some embodiments, a polynucleotideprimer or probe under stringent conditions will hybridize to its targetnucleotide sequence to a detectably greater degree than to othernucleotide sequences by at least 3-fold. In some embodiments, apolynucleotide primer or probe under stringent conditions will hybridizeto its target nucleotide sequence to a detectably greater degree than toother nucleotide sequences by at least 4-fold. In some embodiments, apolynucleotide primer or probe under stringent conditions will hybridizeto its target nucleotide sequence to a detectably greater degree than toother nucleotide sequences by over 10-fold over background. Stringentconditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in differentcircumstances.

Appropriate stringency conditions which promote DNA hybridization, forexample, 6× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) at about 45° C.,followed by a wash of 2×SSC at 50° C., are known or can be found inCurrent Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. (1989),6.3.1-6.3.6. Typically, stringent conditions for hybridization anddetection will be those in which the salt concentration is less thanabout 1.5 M Na⁺ ion, typically about 0.01 to 1.0 M Na⁺ ion concentration(or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and the temperature is at least about30° C. for short probes (such as, for example, 10 to 50 nucleotides) andat least about 60° C. for longer probes (such as, for example, greaterthan 50 nucleotides). Stringent conditions may also be achieved with theaddition of destabilizing agents such as formamide. Optionally, washbuffers may comprise about 0.1% to about 1% SDS. Duration ofhybridization is generally less than about 24 hours, usually about 4 toabout 12 hours. The duration of the wash time will be at least a lengthof time sufficient to reach equilibrium.

The present disclosure also provides methods of detecting the presenceof a human ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant polypeptidecomprising performing an assay on a sample obtained from a human subjectto determine whether an ANGPTL7 polypeptide in the subject contains oneor more variations that causes the polypeptide to have aloss-of-function (partial or complete). For example, in someembodiments, the methods detect the presence of a human ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant polypeptide, such as, for example,the ANGPTL7 Arg177Stop variant polypeptide, and comprise performing anassay on a sample obtained from a human subject to determine whether anANGPTL7 polypeptide in the sample terminates at a position correspondingto position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. In some embodiments, thedetecting step comprises sequencing at least a portion of thepolypeptide that comprises positions corresponding to any positions thatare C-terminal to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11 (suchpolypeptides are reference; an absence of such positions indicates thatthe polypeptide terminates at least at position 176 and is a predictedloss-of-function variant ANGPTL7 polypeptide). In some embodiments, thedetecting step comprises sequencing the entire polypeptide. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises an immunoassay for detectingthe presence of a polypeptide that terminates at a positioncorresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculesthat hybridize to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (suchas SEQ ID NO:2), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:5),and/or ANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:8). In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize to theportion of the ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule that includes a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or includes aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQID NO:8.

In some embodiments, the methods detect the presence of a human ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant polypeptide, such as, for example,the ANGPTL7 Gln175His variant polypeptide, and comprise performing anassay on a sample obtained from a human subject to determine whether anANGPTL7 polypeptide in the sample comprises a histidine at a positioncorresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least a portionof the polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding to position175 according to SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:12. In some embodiments, thedetecting step comprises sequencing the entire polypeptide. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises an immunoassay for detectingthe presence of a polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding toposition 175 according to SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:12.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculesthat hybridize to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (suchas SEQ ID NO:3), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:6),and/or ANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:9). In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize to theportion of the ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule that includes a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or includes aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6 or SEQID NO:9.

In some embodiments, the methods detect the presence of a human ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant polypeptide, such as, for example,the ANGPTL7 Phe161Ile variant polypeptide, and comprise performing anassay on a sample obtained from a human subject to determine whether anANGPTL7 polypeptide in the sample comprises an isoleucine at a positioncorresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least a portionof the polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding to position161 according to SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:141. In some embodiments, thedetecting step comprises sequencing the entire polypeptide. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises an immunoassay for detectingthe presence of a polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding toposition 161 according to SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:141.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculesthat hybridize to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (suchas SEQ ID NO:132), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ IDNO:135), and/or ANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:138).In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize tothe portion of the ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule that includes aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orincludes a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135 or SEQ ID NO:138.

In some embodiments, the methods detect the presence of a human ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant polypeptide, such as, for example,the ANGPTL7 Trp188Stop variant polypeptide, and comprise performing anassay on a sample obtained from a human subject to determine whether anANGPTL7 polypeptide in the sample terminates at a position correspondingto position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. In some embodiments, thedetecting step comprises sequencing at least a portion of thepolypeptide that comprises positions corresponding to any positions thatare C-terminal to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142 (suchpolypeptides are reference; an absence of such positions indicates thatthe polypeptide terminates at least at position 187 and is a predictedloss-of-function variant ANGPTL7 polypeptide). In some embodiments, thedetecting step comprises sequencing the entire polypeptide. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises an immunoassay for detectingthe presence of a polypeptide that terminates at a positioncorresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculesthat hybridize to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (suchas SEQ ID NO:133), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ IDNO:136), and/or ANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:139).In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize tothe portion of the ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule that includes aposition corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orincludes a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136 or SEQ ID NO:139.

In some embodiments, the methods detect the presence of a human ANGPTL7predicted loss-of-function variant polypeptide, such as, for example,the ANGPTL7 Lys192Gln variant polypeptide, and comprise performing anassay on a sample obtained from a human subject to determine whether anANGPTL7 polypeptide in the sample comprises a glutamine at a positioncorresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises sequencing at least a portionof the polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding to position192 according to SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:143. In some embodiments, thedetecting step comprises sequencing the entire polypeptide. In someembodiments, the detecting step comprises an immunoassay for detectingthe presence of a polypeptide that comprises a position corresponding toposition 192 according to SEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:143.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculesthat hybridize to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (suchas SEQ ID NO:134), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ IDNO:137), and/or ANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:140).In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize tothe portion of the ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule that includes aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orincludes a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137 or SEQ ID NO:140.

In some embodiments, such isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of at least about 5, at least about 8, at least about 10, atleast about 11, at least about 12, at least about 13, at least about 14,at least about 15, at least about 16, at least about 17, at least about18, at least about 19, at least about 20, at least about 21, at leastabout 22, at least about 23, at least about 24, at least about 25, atleast about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45,at least about 50, at least about 55, at least about 60, at least about65, at least about 70, at least about 75, at least about 80, at leastabout 85, at least about 90, at least about 95, at least about 100, atleast about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, atleast about 900, at least about 1000, at least about 2000, at leastabout 3000, at least about 4000, or at least about 5000 nucleotides. Insome embodiments, such isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of at least about 5, at least about 8, at least about 10, atleast about 11, at least about 12, at least about 13, at least about 14,at least about 15, at least about 16, at least about 17, at least about18, at least about 19, at least about 20, at least about 21, at leastabout 22, at least about 23, at least about 24, or at least about 25nucleotides. In preferred embodiments, the isolated nucleic acidmolecules comprise or consist of at least about 18 nucleotides. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consists ofat least about 15 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of from about 10 to about 35, fromabout 10 to about 30, from about 10 to about 25, from about 12 to about30, from about 12 to about 28, from about 12 to about 24, from about 15to about 30, from about 15 to about 25, from about 18 to about 30, fromabout 18 to about 25, from about 18 to about 24, or from about 18 toabout 22 nucleotides. In preferred embodiments, the isolated nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of from about 18 to about 30nucleotides. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of at least about 15 nucleotides to at least about35 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, such isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize toANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:2),ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:5), and/or ANGPTL7variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:8) under stringent conditions.Such nucleic acid molecules can be used, for example, as probes,primers, alteration-specific probes, or alteration-specific primers asdescribed or exemplified herein, and include, without limitationprimers, probes, antisense RNAs, shRNAs, and siRNAs, each of which isdescribed in more detail elsewhere herein, and can be used in any of themethods described herein.

In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize to atleast about 15 contiguous nucleotides of a nucleic acid molecule that isat least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at leastabout 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%,at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or 100%identical to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQID NO:2), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:5), and/orANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:8). In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 100 nucleotides, or from about 15 to about 35nucleotides. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of from about 15 to about 100 nucleotides. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 35 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the isolated alteration-specific probes oralteration-specific primers comprise at least about 15 nucleotides,wherein the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein theportion comprises a position corresponding to: position 4,291 accordingto SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof; position 529 according to SEQID NO:5, or the complement thereof; or position 529 according to SEQ IDNO:8, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising a position corresponding to position 4,291 accordingto SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 4,289 to 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 529to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 529to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof.

In some embodiments, such isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize toANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:3),ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:6), and/or ANGPTL7variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:9) under stringent conditions.Such nucleic acid molecules can be used, for example, as probes,primers, alteration-specific probes, or alteration-specific primers asdescribed or exemplified herein, and include, without limitationprimers, probes, antisense RNAs, shRNAs, and siRNAs, each of which isdescribed in more detail elsewhere herein, and can be used in any of themethods described herein.

In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize to atleast about 15 contiguous nucleotides of a nucleic acid molecule that isat least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at leastabout 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%,at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or 100%identical to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQID NO:3), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:6), and/orANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:9). In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 100 nucleotides, or from about 15 to about 35nucleotides. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of from about 15 to about 100 nucleotides. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 35 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the isolated alteration-specific probes oralteration-specific primers comprise at least about 15 nucleotides,wherein the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein theportion comprises a position corresponding to: position 4,287 accordingto SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof; position 525 according to SEQID NO:6, or the complement thereof; or position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:9, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising a position corresponding to position 4,287 accordingto SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 4,285 to 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 523to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 523to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof.

In some embodiments, such isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize toANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:132),ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:135), and/or ANGPTL7variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:138) under stringentconditions. Such nucleic acid molecules can be used, for example, asprobes, primers, alteration-specific probes, or alteration-specificprimers as described or exemplified herein, and include, withoutlimitation primers, probes, antisense RNAs, shRNAs, and siRNAs, each ofwhich is described in more detail elsewhere herein, and can be used inany of the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize to atleast about 15 contiguous nucleotides of a nucleic acid molecule that isat least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at leastabout 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%,at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or 100%identical to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQID NO:132), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:135),and/or ANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:138). In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 100 nucleotides, or from about 15 to about 35nucleotides. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of from about 15 to about 100 nucleotides. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 35 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the isolated alteration-specific probes oralteration-specific primers comprise at least about 15 nucleotides,wherein the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein theportion comprises a position corresponding to: position 4,243 accordingto SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof; position 481 according toSEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof; or position 481 according toSEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising a position corresponding to position 4,243 accordingto SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 4,243 to 4,245according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 481to 483 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 481to 483 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof.

In some embodiments, such isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize toANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:133),ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:136), and/or ANGPTL7variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:139) under stringentconditions. Such nucleic acid molecules can be used, for example, asprobes, primers, alteration-specific probes, or alteration-specificprimers as described or exemplified herein, and include, withoutlimitation primers, probes, antisense RNAs, shRNAs, and siRNAs, each ofwhich is described in more detail elsewhere herein, and can be used inany of the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize to atleast about 15 contiguous nucleotides of a nucleic acid molecule that isat least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at leastabout 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%,at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or 100%identical to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQID NO:133), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:136),and/or ANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:139). In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 100 nucleotides, or from about 15 to about 35nucleotides. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of from about 15 to about 100 nucleotides. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 35 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the isolated alteration-specific probes oralteration-specific primers comprise at least about 15 nucleotides,wherein the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein theportion comprises a position corresponding to: position 4,325 accordingto SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof; position 563 according toSEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof; or position 563 according toSEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising a position corresponding to position 4,325 accordingto SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 4,324 to 4,326according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 562to 564 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 562to 564 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof.

In some embodiments, such isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize toANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:134),ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:137), and/or ANGPTL7variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:140) under stringentconditions. Such nucleic acid molecules can be used, for example, asprobes, primers, alteration-specific probes, or alteration-specificprimers as described or exemplified herein, and include, withoutlimitation primers, probes, antisense RNAs, shRNAs, and siRNAs, each ofwhich is described in more detail elsewhere herein, and can be used inany of the methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules hybridize to atleast about 15 contiguous nucleotides of a nucleic acid molecule that isat least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at leastabout 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%,at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or 100%identical to ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecules (such as SEQID NO:134), ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:137),and/or ANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecules (such as SEQ ID NO:140). In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 100 nucleotides, or from about 15 to about 35nucleotides. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of from about 15 to about 100 nucleotides. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist offrom about 15 to about 35 nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the isolated alteration-specific probes oralteration-specific primers comprise at least about 15 nucleotides,wherein the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein theportion comprises a position corresponding to: position 4,336 accordingto SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof; position 574 according toSEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof; or position 574 according toSEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising a position corresponding to position 4,336 accordingto SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primer comprises anucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of a nucleotidesequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 4,336 to 4,338according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 574to 576 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the alteration-specific probe or alteration-specific primercomprises a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to a portion of anucleotide sequence comprising positions corresponding to positions 574to 576 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof.

In some embodiments, the alteration-specific probes andalteration-specific primers comprise DNA. In some embodiments, thealteration-specific probes and alteration-specific primers comprise RNA.

In some embodiments, the probes and primers described herein (includingalteration-specific probes and alteration-specific primers) have anucleotide sequence that specifically hybridizes to any of the nucleicacid molecules disclosed herein, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the probes and primers specifically hybridize to any of thenucleic acid molecules disclosed herein under stringent conditions.

In some embodiments, the primers, including alteration-specific primers,can be used in second generation sequencing or high throughputsequencing. In some instances, the primers, includingalteration-specific primers, can be modified. In particular, the primerscan comprise various modifications that are used at different steps of,for example, Massive Parallel Signature Sequencing (MPSS), Polonysequencing, and 454 Pyrosequencing. Modified primers can be used atseveral steps of the process, including biotinylated primers in thecloning step and fluorescently labeled primers used at the bead loadingstep and detection step. Polony sequencing is generally performed usinga paired-end tags library wherein each molecule of DNA template is about135 bp in length. Biotinylated primers are used at the bead loading stepand emulsion PCR. Fluorescently labeled degenerate nonameroligonucleotides are used at the detection step. An adaptor can containa 5′-biotin tag for immobilization of the DNA library ontostreptavidin-coated beads.

The probes and primers described herein can be used to detect theC4,291T variation within the ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ ID NO:2), or the C529Uvariation within the ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule (such as, forexample, according to SEQ ID NO:5), or the C529T variation within theANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ IDNO:8). For example, the primers can be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variantgenomic nucleic acid molecules or a fragment thereof comprising theC4,291T variation. The primers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7variant mRNA or a fragment thereof comprising the C529U variation. Theprimers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variant cDNA or a fragmentthereof comprising the C529T variation.

The probes and primers described herein can be used to detect theG4,287T variation within the ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ ID NO:3), or the G525Uvariation within the ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule (such as, forexample, according to SEQ ID NO:6), or the G525T variation within theANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ IDNO:9). For example, the primers can be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variantgenomic nucleic acid molecules or a fragment thereof comprising theG4,287T variation. The primers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7variant mRNA or a fragment thereof comprising the G525U variation. Theprimers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variant cDNA or a fragmentthereof comprising the G525T variation.

The probes and primers described herein can be used to detect theT4,243A variation within the ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ ID NO:132), or theU481A variation within the ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule (such as, forexample, according to SEQ ID NO:135), or the T481A variation within theANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ IDNO:138). For example, the primers can be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variantgenomic nucleic acid molecules or a fragment thereof comprising theT4,243A variation. The primers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7variant mRNA or a fragment thereof comprising the U481A variation. Theprimers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variant cDNA or a fragmentthereof comprising the T481A variation.

The probes and primers described herein can be used to detect theG4,325A variation within the ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ ID NO:133), or theG563A variation within the ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule (such as, forexample, according to SEQ ID NO:136), or the G563A variation within theANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ IDNO:139). For example, the primers can be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variantgenomic nucleic acid molecules or a fragment thereof comprising theG4,325A variation. The primers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7variant mRNA or a fragment thereof comprising the G563A variation. Theprimers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variant cDNA or a fragmentthereof comprising the G563A variation.

The probes and primers described herein can be used to detect theA4,336C variation within the ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ ID NO:134), or theA574C variation within the ANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule (such as, forexample, according to SEQ ID NO:137), or the A574C variation within theANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule (such as, for example, according to SEQ IDNO:140). For example, the primers can be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variantgenomic nucleic acid molecules or a fragment thereof comprising theA4,336C variation. The primers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7variant mRNA or a fragment thereof comprising the A574C variation. Theprimers can also be used to amplify ANGPTL7 variant cDNA or a fragmentthereof comprising the A574C variation.

The present disclosure also provides pairs of primers comprising any ofthe primers described above. If one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizesto a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,291 (rather thanthymine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2) in a particular ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule, then the presence of the amplifiedfragment would indicate the presence of an ANGPTL7 reference genomicnucleic acid molecule. Conversely, if one of the primers' 3′-endshybridizes to a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291(rather than cytosine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2) in aparticular ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule, then the presence ofthe amplified fragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7variant genomic nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, thenucleotide of the primer complementary to the thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 in SEQ ID NO:2 can be at the 3′ end ofthe primer. In addition, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to acytosine at a position corresponding to position 529 (rather thanuracil) (comparing SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:5) in a particular ANGPTL7mRNA molecule, then the presence of the amplified fragment wouldindicate the presence of an ANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule. Conversely,if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 (rather than cytosine) (comparing SEQ IDNO:4 and SEQ ID NO:5) in a particular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, then thepresence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presence of theANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide ofthe primer complementary to the uracil at a position corresponding toposition 529 in SEQ ID NO:5 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. Inaddition, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 529 (rather than thymine) (comparingSEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:8) in a particular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, thenthe presence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presence of anANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule. Conversely, if one of the primers'3′-ends hybridizes to a thymine at a position corresponding to position529 (rather than cytosine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:8) in aparticular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, then the presence of the amplifiedfragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variant cDNAmolecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the thymine at a position corresponding to position 529in SEQ ID NO:8 can be at the 3′ end of the primer.

In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotidesequence which hybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule, wherein the portion comprises a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or whichhybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes to an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule comprising SEQ IDNO:2 at a portion comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or which hybridizes to thecomplement of this nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, theprobes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to aportion of an ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, wherein the portion comprises auracil at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ IDNO:5, or which hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise anucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 mRNA moleculecomprising SEQ ID NO:5 at a portion comprising a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or whichhybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, wherein the portioncomprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or which hybridizes to the complement of thisnucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primerscomprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 cDNAmolecule comprising SEQ ID NO:8 at a portion comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, orwhich hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule.

If one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a guanine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 (rather than thymine) (comparing SEQ IDNO:1 and SEQ ID NO:3) in a particular ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule, then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate thepresence of an ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acid molecule.Conversely, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 (rather than guanine)(comparing SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:3) in a particular ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule, then the presence of the amplified fragment wouldindicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the thymine at a position corresponding to position4,287 in SEQ ID NO:3 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. In addition, ifone of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a guanine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 (rather than uracil) (comparing SEQ IDNO:4 and SEQ ID NO:6) in a particular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, then thepresence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presence of anANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule. Conversely, if one of the primers'3′-ends hybridizes to a uracil at a position corresponding to position525 (rather than guanine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:6) in aparticular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, then the presence of the amplifiedfragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variant mRNAmolecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the uracil at a position corresponding to position 525in SEQ ID NO:6 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. In addition, if oneof the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a guanine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 (rather than thymine) (comparing SEQ IDNO:7 and SEQ ID NO:9) in a particular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, then thepresence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presence of anANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule. Conversely, if one of the primers'3′-ends hybridizes to a thymine at a position corresponding to position525 (rather than guanine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:9) in aparticular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, then the presence of the amplifiedfragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variant cDNAmolecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the thymine at a position corresponding to position 525in SEQ ID NO:9 can be at the 3′ end of the primer.

In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotidesequence which hybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule, wherein the portion comprises a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or whichhybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes to an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule comprising SEQ IDNO:3 at a portion comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or which hybridizes to thecomplement of this nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, theprobes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to aportion of an ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, wherein the portion comprises auracil at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:6, or which hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise anucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 mRNA moleculecomprising SEQ ID NO:6 at a portion comprising a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or whichhybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, wherein the portioncomprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or which hybridizes to the complement of thisnucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primerscomprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 cDNAmolecule comprising SEQ ID NO:9 at a portion comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, orwhich hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule.

If one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 (rather than adenine) (comparing SEQ IDNO:1 and SEQ ID NO:132) in a particular ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule, then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate thepresence of an ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acid molecule.Conversely, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 (rather than thymine)(comparing SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:132) in a particular ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule, then the presence of the amplifiedfragment would indicate the presence of an ANGPTL7 variant genomicnucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the adenine at a position corresponding to position4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. Inaddition, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 481 (rather than adenine) (comparingSEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:135) in a particular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule,then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presenceof an ANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule. Conversely, if one of theprimers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 (rather than uracil) (comparing SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ IDNO:135) in a particular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, then the presence of theamplified fragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variantmRNA molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. Inaddition, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 481 (rather than adenine) (comparingSEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:138) in a particular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule,then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presenceof an ANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule. Conversely, if one of theprimers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 (rather than thymine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ IDNO:138) in a particular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, then the presence of theamplified fragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variantcDNA molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138 can be at the 3′ end of the primer.

In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotidesequence which hybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule, wherein the portion comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or whichhybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes to an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule comprising SEQ IDNO:132 at a portion comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132 or which hybridizes to thecomplement of this nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, theprobes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to aportion of an ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, wherein the portion comprises anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135, or which hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise anucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 mRNA moleculecomprising SEQ ID NO:135 at a portion comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, orwhich hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. Insome embodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequencewhich hybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, wherein theportion comprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or which hybridizes to the complement ofthis nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primerscomprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 cDNAmolecule comprising SEQ ID NO:138 at a portion comprising an adenine ata position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, orwhich hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule.

If one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a guanine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 (rather than adenine) (comparing SEQ IDNO:1 and SEQ ID NO:133) in a particular ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule, then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate thepresence of an ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acid molecule.Conversely, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,325 (rather than guanine)(comparing SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:133) in a particular ANGPTL7genomic nucleic acid molecule, then the presence of the amplifiedfragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variant genomicnucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the adenine at a position corresponding to position4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. Inaddition, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a guanine at aposition corresponding to position 563 (rather than adenine) (comparingSEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:136) in a particular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule,then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presenceof an ANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule. Conversely, if one of theprimers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 (rather than guanine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ IDNO:136) in a particular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, then the presence of theamplified fragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variantmRNA molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. Inaddition, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a guanine at aposition corresponding to position 563 (rather than adenine) (comparingSEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:139) in a particular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule,then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presenceof an ANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule. Conversely, if one of theprimers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 (rather than guanine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ IDNO:139) in a particular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, then the presence of theamplified fragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variantcDNA molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139 can be at the 3′ end of the primer.

In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotidesequence which hybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule, wherein the portion comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or whichhybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes to an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule comprising SEQ IDNO:133 at a portion comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133 or which hybridizes to thecomplement of this nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, theprobes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to aportion of an ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, wherein the portion comprises anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136, or which hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise anucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 mRNA moleculecomprising SEQ ID NO:136 at a portion comprising an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, orwhich hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. Insome embodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequencewhich hybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, wherein theportion comprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or which hybridizes to the complement ofthis nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primerscomprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 cDNAmolecule comprising SEQ ID NO:139 at a portion comprising an adenine ata position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, orwhich hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule.

If one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 (rather than cytosine) (comparing SEQ IDNO:1 and SEQ ID NO:134) in a particular ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule, then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate thepresence of an ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acid molecule.Conversely, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 (rather than adenine)(comparing SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:134) in a particular ANGPTL7nucleic acid molecule, then the presence of the amplified fragment wouldindicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the cytosine at a position corresponding to position4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. Inaddition, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 574 (rather than cytosine) (comparingSEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:137) in a particular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule,then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presenceof an ANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule. Conversely, if one of theprimers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 (rather than adenine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ IDNO:137) in a particular ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, then the presence of theamplified fragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variantmRNA molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the cytosine at a position corresponding to position574 according to SEQ ID NO:137 can be at the 3′ end of the primer. Inaddition, if one of the primers' 3′-ends hybridizes to an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 574 (rather than cytosine) (comparingSEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:140) in a particular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule,then the presence of the amplified fragment would indicate the presenceof an ANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule. Conversely, if one of theprimers' 3′-ends hybridizes to a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 (rather than adenine) (comparing SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ IDNO:140) in a particular ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, then the presence of theamplified fragment would indicate the presence of the ANGPTL7 variantcDNA molecule. In some embodiments, the nucleotide of the primercomplementary to the cytosine at a position corresponding to position574 according to SEQ ID NO:140 can be at the 3′ end of the primer.

In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotidesequence which hybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleicacid molecule, wherein the portion comprises a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or whichhybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. In someembodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes to an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule comprising SEQ IDNO:134 at a portion comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134 or which hybridizes to thecomplement of this nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, theprobes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to aportion of an ANGPTL7 mRNA molecule, wherein the portion comprises acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or which hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acidmolecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primers comprise anucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 mRNA moleculecomprising SEQ ID NO:137 at a portion comprising a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, orwhich hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule. Insome embodiments, the probes or primers comprise a nucleotide sequencewhich hybridizes to a portion of an ANGPTL7 cDNA molecule, wherein theportion comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or which hybridizes to the complement ofthis nucleic acid molecule. In some embodiments, the probes or primerscomprise a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 cDNAmolecule comprising SEQ ID NO:140 at a portion comprising a cytosine ata position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, orwhich hybridizes to the complement of this nucleic acid molecule.

In the context of the disclosure “specifically hybridizes” means thatthe probe or primer (such as, for example, the alteration-specific probeor alteration-specific primer) does not hybridize to a nucleic acidsequence encoding an ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acid molecule, anANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule, and/or an ANGPTL7 reference cDNAmolecule.

In some embodiments, the probes (such as, for example, analteration-specific probe) comprise a label. In some embodiments, thelabel is a fluorescent label, a radiolabel, or biotin.

The present disclosure also provides supports comprising a substrate towhich any one or more of the probes disclosed herein is attached. Solidsupports are solid-state substrates or supports with which molecules,such as any of the probes disclosed herein, can be associated. A form ofsolid support is an array. Another form of solid support is an arraydetector. An array detector is a solid support to which multipledifferent probes have been coupled in an array, grid, or other organizedpattern. A form for a solid-state substrate is a microtiter dish, suchas a standard 96-well type. In some embodiments, a multiwell glass slidecan be employed that normally contains one array per well.

The present disclosure also provides molecular complexes comprising orconsisting of any of the ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecules (genomic nucleicacid molecules, mRNA molecules, or cDNA molecules), or complementthereof, described herein and any of the alteration-specific primers oralteration-specific probes described herein. In some embodiments, theANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecules (genomic nucleic acid molecules, mRNAmolecules, or cDNA molecules), or complement thereof, in the molecularcomplexes are single-stranded. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 nucleicacid molecule is any of the genomic nucleic acid molecules describedherein. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule is any ofthe mRNA molecules described herein. In some embodiments, the ANGPTL7nucleic acid molecule is any of the cDNA molecules described herein. Insome embodiments, the molecular complex comprises or consists of any ofthe ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecules (genomic nucleic acid molecules, mRNAmolecules, or cDNA molecules), or complement thereof, described hereinand any of the alteration-specific primers described herein. In someembodiments, the molecular complex comprises or consists of any of theANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecules (genomic nucleic acid molecules, mRNAmolecules, or cDNA molecules), or complement thereof, described hereinand any of the alteration-specific probes described herein. In someembodiments, the molecular complex comprises an alteration-specificprobe or an alteration-specific primer comprising a label. In someembodiments, the label is a fluorescent label, a radiolabel, or biotin.In some embodiments, the molecular complex further comprises a non-humanpolymerase.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the polypeptide terminates at a position corresponding toposition 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11, or the complement thereof. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 90%,at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at leastabout 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%,at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ IDNO:11, and terminates at a position corresponding to position 176according to SEQ ID NO:11. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleicacid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide having an amino acidsequence that has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:11,and terminates at a position corresponding to position 176 according toSEQ ID NO:11. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid moleculeencodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:11, and terminates at aposition corresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:11, and terminates at a positioncorresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:11, and terminates at a positioncorresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:11, and terminates at a positioncorresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:11. In some embodiments, the nucleicacid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide consisting of SEQ ID NO:11.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the polypeptide comprises a histidine at a positioncorresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acidmolecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide having an amino acid sequencethat has at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, atleast about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprises a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprises a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 92%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprises a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprises a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprises a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprises a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:12. In some embodiments, the nucleicacid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide consisting of SEQ ID NO:12.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the polypeptide comprises an isoleucine at a positioncorresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acidmolecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide having an amino acid sequencethat has at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, atleast about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprises an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprises an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 92%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprises an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprises an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprises an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprises an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:141. In some embodiments, the nucleicacid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide consisting of SEQ IDNO:141.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the polypeptide terminates at a position corresponding toposition 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142, or the complement thereof. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 90%,at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at leastabout 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%,at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ IDNO:142, and terminates at a position corresponding to position 187according to SEQ ID NO:142. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleicacid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide having an amino acidsequence that has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:142,and terminates at a position corresponding to position 187 according toSEQ ID NO:142. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid moleculeencodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:142, and terminates at aposition corresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:142, and terminates at a positioncorresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:142, and terminates at a positioncorresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. In someembodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:142, and terminates at a positioncorresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:142. In some embodiments, the nucleicacid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide consisting of SEQ IDNO:142.

The present disclosure also provides isolated nucleic acid moleculescomprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the polypeptide comprises a glutamine at a positioncorresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated nucleic acidmolecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide having an amino acid sequencethat has at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, atleast about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprises a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprises a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 92%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprises a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprises a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprises a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. Insome embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide having an amino acid sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprises a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143.

In some embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:143. In some embodiments, the nucleicacid molecule encodes an ANGPTL7 polypeptide consisting of SEQ IDNO:143.

The nucleotide sequence of an ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acidmolecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:1. Referring to SEQ ID NO:1, position4,291 of the ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acid molecule is acytosine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:1, position 4,287 of the ANGPTL7reference genomic nucleic acid molecule is a guanine. Referring to SEQID NO:1, position 4,243 of the ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acidmolecule is a thymine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:1, position 4,325 of theANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleic acid molecule is a guanine. Referringto SEQ ID NO:1, position 4,336 of the ANGPTL7 reference genomic nucleicacid molecule is an adenine.

A variant genomic nucleic acid molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein thecytosine at position 4,291 (referring to the reference genomic sequenceset forth in SEQ ID NO:1) is replaced with a thymine. The nucleotidesequence of this ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acid molecule is setforth in SEQ ID NO:2.

Another variant genomic nucleic acid molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, whereinthe guanine at position 4,287 (referring to the reference genomicsequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1) is replaced with a thymine. Thenucleotide sequence of this ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:3.

Another variant genomic nucleic acid molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, whereinthe thymine at position 4,243 (referring to the reference genomicsequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1) is replaced with an adenine. Thenucleotide sequence of this ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:132.

Another variant genomic nucleic acid molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, whereinthe guanine at position 4,325 (referring to the reference genomicsequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1) is replaced with an adenine. Thenucleotide sequence of this ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:133.

Another variant genomic nucleic acid molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, whereinthe adenine at position 4,336 (referring to the reference genomicsequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1) is replaced with a cytosine. Thenucleotide sequence of this ANGPTL7 variant genomic nucleic acidmolecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:134.

The present disclosure provides isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprising or consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a humanANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymineat a position corresponding to position 4,291 (C4,291T) according to SEQID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291 (C4,291T)according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules consist of anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,291 (C4,291T) according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a TGA codon atpositions corresponding to positions 4,289 to 4,291 according to SEQ IDNO:2.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:2, and comprise a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:2, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2, and comprise a thymineat a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2,or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence thathas at least about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2, and comprise athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2,and comprise a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:2, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:2, and comprise a TGA codon at positions corresponding topositions 4,289 to 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2, and comprise a TGA codon atpositions corresponding to positions 4,289 to 4,291 according to SEQ IDNO:2, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2,and comprise a TGA codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,289to 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:2, and comprise a TGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,289 to 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence thathas at least about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2, and comprise aTGA codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,289 to 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:2, and comprise a TGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,289 to 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, orthe complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise SEQ ID NO:2. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:2.

The present disclosure also provides isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprising or consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287 (G4,287T)according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,287 (G4,287T) according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 (G4,287T) according to SEQ IDNO:3, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises aCAT codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,285 to 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:3, and comprise a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:3, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, and comprise a thymineat a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3,or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence thathas at least about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, and comprise athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:3, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3,and comprise a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:3, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:3, and comprise a CAT codon at positions corresponding topositions 4,285 to 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, and comprise a CAT codon atpositions corresponding to positions 4,285 to 4,287 according to SEQ IDNO:3, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3,and comprise a CAT codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,285to 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:3, and comprise a CAT codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,285 to 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence thathas at least about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3, and comprise aCAT codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,285 to 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:3, and comprise a CAT codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,285 to 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, orthe complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise SEQ ID NO:3. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:3.

The present disclosure also provides isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprising or consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243 (T4,243A)according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,243 (T4,243A) according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 (T4,243A) according to SEQ IDNO:132, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises anATC codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,243 to 4,245according to SEQ ID NO:132.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:132, and comprise an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof. Insome embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules compriseor consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:132, and comprise an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:132, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQID NO:132, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:132,and comprise an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:132, and comprise an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:132, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQID NO:132, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:132, and comprise an ATC codon at positions corresponding topositions 4,243 to 4,245 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:132, and comprise an ATC codonat positions corresponding to positions 4,243 to 4,245 according to SEQID NO:132, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:132,and comprise an ATC codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,243to 4,245 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:132, and comprise an ATC codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,243 to 4,245 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence thathas at least about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:132, and comprisean ATC codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,243 to 4,245according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:132, and comprise an ATC codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,243 to 4,245 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orthe complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise SEQ ID NO: 132. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:132.

The present disclosure also provides isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprising or consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325 (G4,325A)according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 (G4,325A) according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,325 (G4,325A) according to SEQ IDNO:133, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises aTAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,324 to 4,326according to SEQ ID NO:133.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:133, and comprise an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof. Insome embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules compriseor consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:133, and comprise an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:133, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQID NO:133, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:133,and comprise an adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:133, and comprise an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:133, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQID NO:133, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:133, and comprise a TAG codon at positions corresponding topositions 4,324 to 4,326 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:133, and comprise a TAG codonat positions corresponding to positions 4,324 to 4,326 according to SEQID NO:133, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:133,and comprise a TAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,324to 4,326 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:133, and comprise a TAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,324 to 4,326 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence thathas at least about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:133, and comprisea TAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,324 to 4,326according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:133, and comprise a TAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,324 to 4,326 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orthe complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise SEQ ID NO: 133. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:133.

The present disclosure also provides isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprising or consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises acytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336 (A4,336C)according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 (A4,336C) according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 (A4,336C) according to SEQ IDNO:134, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises aCAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,336 to 4,338according to SEQ ID NO:134.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:134, and comprise a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof. Insome embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules compriseor consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:134, and comprise a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:134, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQID NO:134, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:134,and comprise a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:134, and comprise a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleicacid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:134, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQID NO:134, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQID NO:134, and comprise a CAG codon at positions corresponding topositions 4,336 to 4,338 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acidmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:134, and comprise a CAG codonat positions corresponding to positions 4,336 to 4,338 according to SEQID NO:134, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotidesequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:134,and comprise a CAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,336to 4,338 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:134, and comprise a CAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,336 to 4,338 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence thathas at least about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:134, and comprisea CAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 4,336 to 4,338according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:134, and comprise a CAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 4,336 to 4,338 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orthe complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise SEQ ID NO: 134. In some embodiments, the isolated genomicnucleic acid molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:134.

The genomic nucleic acid molecules can be from any organism. Forexample, the genomic nucleic acid molecules can be human or an orthologfrom another organism, such as a non-human mammal, a rodent, a mouse, ora rat. It is understood that gene sequences within a population can varydue to polymorphisms such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Theexamples provided herein are only exemplary sequences. Other sequencesare also possible.

In some embodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid moleculescomprise less than the entire genomic DNA sequence. In some embodiments,the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise or consist of atleast about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30,at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at leastabout 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, atleast about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about700, at least about 800, at least about 900, at least about 1000, atleast about 2000, at least about 3000, at least about 4000, or at leastabout 5000 contiguous nucleotides of any one or more of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:132, SEQ ID NO:133, and/or SEQ ID NO:134. In someembodiments, the isolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise orconsist of at least about 1000 to at least about 2000 contiguousnucleotides of any one or more of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ IDNO:132, SEQ ID NO:133, and/or SEQ ID NO:134. In some embodiments, theseisolated genomic nucleic acid molecules comprise the thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, orcomprise the thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287according to SEQ ID NO:3, or comprise the adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or comprisethe adenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325 according toSEQ ID NO:133, or comprise the cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134.

The nucleotide sequence of an ANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule is setforth in SEQ ID NO:4. Referring to SEQ ID NO:4, position 529 of theANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule is a cytosine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:4,position 525 of the ANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule is a guanine.Referring to SEQ ID NO:4, position 481 of the ANGPTL7 reference mRNAmolecule is a uracil. Referring to SEQ ID NO:4, position 563 of theANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule is a guanine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:4,position 574 of the ANGPTL7 reference mRNA molecule is an adenine.

A variant mRNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the cytosine atposition 529 (referring to the reference mRNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:4) is replaced with a uracil. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:5.

Another variant mRNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the guanine atposition 525 (referring to the reference mRNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:4) is replaced with a uracil. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:6.

Another variant mRNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the uracil atposition 481 (referring to the reference mRNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:4) is replaced with an adenine. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:135.

Another variant mRNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the guanine atposition 563 (referring to the reference mRNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:4) is replaced with an adenine. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:136.

Another variant mRNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the adenine atposition 574 (referring to the reference mRNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:4) is replaced with a cytosine. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant mRNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:137.

The present disclosure provides isolated mRNA molecules comprising orconsisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a UGA codon atpositions corresponding to positions 529 to 531 according to SEQ IDNO:5.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise auracil at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ IDNO:5, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNAmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 92%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise aUGA codon at positions corresponding to positions 529 to 531 accordingto SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, andcomprise a UGA codon at positions corresponding to positions 529 to 531according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQID NO:5, and comprise a UGA codon at positions corresponding topositions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise a UGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise a UGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:5, and comprise a UGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:5.In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:5.

The present disclosure also provides isolated mRNA molecules comprisingor consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a CAU codon atpositions corresponding to positions 523 to 525 according to SEQ IDNO:6.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise auracil at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:6, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNAmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 92%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise a uracil at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise aCAU codon at positions corresponding to positions 523 to 525 accordingto SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, andcomprise a CAU codon at positions corresponding to positions 523 to 525according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQID NO:6, and comprise a CAU codon at positions corresponding topositions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise a CAU codon at positionscorresponding to positions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise a CAU codon at positionscorresponding to positions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and comprise a CAU codon at positionscorresponding to positions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:6.In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:6.

The present disclosure also provides isolated mRNA molecules comprisingor consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an AUC codon atpositions corresponding to positions 481 to 483 according to SEQ IDNO:135.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprisean adenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQID NO:135, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprisean AUC codon at positions corresponding to positions 481 to 483according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQID NO:135, and comprise an AUC codon at positions corresponding topositions 481 to 483 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprise an AUC codon at positionscorresponding to positions 481 to 483 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprise an AUC codon atpositions corresponding to positions 481 to 483 according to SEQ IDNO:135, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, and comprise an AUCcodon at positions corresponding to positions 481 to 483 according toSEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:135, andcomprise an AUC codon at positions corresponding to positions 481 to 483according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof. Herein, ifreference is made to percent sequence identity, the higher percentagesof sequence identity are preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:135.In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules consist of SEQ IDNO:135.

The present disclosure also provides isolated mRNA molecules comprisingor consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a UAG codon atpositions corresponding to positions 562 to 564 according to SEQ IDNO:136.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprisean adenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQID NO:136, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise aUAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 562 to 564 accordingto SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, andcomprise a UAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 562 to 564according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQID NO:136, and comprise a UAG codon at positions corresponding topositions 562 to 564 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise a UAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 562 to 564 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise a UAG codon atpositions corresponding to positions 562 to 564 according to SEQ IDNO:136, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:136, and comprise a UAGcodon at positions corresponding to positions 562 to 564 according toSEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is madeto percent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequenceidentity are preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:136.In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules consist of SEQ IDNO:136.

The present disclosure also provides isolated mRNA molecules comprisingor consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a CAG codon atpositions corresponding to positions 574 to 576 according to SEQ IDNO:137.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise aCAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 574 to 576 accordingto SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, andcomprise a CAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 574 to 576according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQID NO:137, and comprise a CAG codon at positions corresponding topositions 574 to 576 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise a CAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 574 to 576 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise a CAG codon atpositions corresponding to positions 574 to 576 according to SEQ IDNO:137, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedmRNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:137, and comprise a CAGcodon at positions corresponding to positions 574 to 576 according toSEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is madeto percent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequenceidentity are preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:137.In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules consist of SEQ IDNO:137.

The mRNA molecules can be from any organism. For example, the mRNAmolecules can be human or an ortholog from another organism, such as anon-human mammal, a rodent, a mouse, or a rat. It is understood thatmRNA sequences within a population can vary due to polymorphisms such assingle-nucleotide polymorphisms. The examples provided herein are onlyexemplary sequences. Other sequences are also possible.

In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA molecules comprise less than theentire mRNA sequence. In some embodiments, the isolated mRNA moleculescomprise or consist of at least about 5, at least about 8, at leastabout 10, at least about 12, at least about 15, at least about 20, atleast about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40,at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at leastabout 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, or at least about 500contiguous nucleotides of any one or more of SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6,SEQ ID NO:135, SEQ ID NO:136, and/or SEQ ID NO:137. In some embodiments,the isolated mRNA molecules comprise or consist of at least about 400 toat least about 500 contiguous nucleotides of any one or more of SEQ IDNO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:135, SEQ ID NO:136, and/or SEQ ID NO:137.In some embodiments, these isolated mRNA molecules comprise the uracilat the position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5,or the uracil at the position corresponding to position 525 according toSEQ ID NO:6, or the adenine at the position corresponding to position481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the adenine at the positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or thecytosine at the position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQID NO:137.

The nucleotide sequence of an ANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule is setforth in SEQ ID NO:7. Referring to SEQ ID NO:7, position 529 of theANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule is a cytosine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:7,position 525 of the ANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule is a guanine.Referring to SEQ ID NO:7, position 481 of the ANGPTL7 reference cDNAmolecule is a thymine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:7, position 563 of theANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule is a guanine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:7,position 574 of the ANGPTL7 reference cDNA molecule is an adenine.

A variant cDNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the cytosine atposition 529 (referring to the reference cDNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:7) is replaced with a thymine. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:8.

Another variant cDNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the guanine atposition 525 (referring to the reference cDNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:7) is replaced with a thymine. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:9.

Another variant cDNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the thymine atposition 481 (referring to the reference cDNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:7) is replaced with an adenine. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:138.

Another variant cDNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the guanine atposition 563 (referring to the reference cDNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:7) is replaced with an adenine. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:139.

Another variant cDNA molecule of ANGPTL7 exists, wherein the adenine atposition 574 (referring to the reference cDNA sequence set forth in SEQID NO:7) is replaced with a cytosine. The nucleotide sequence of thisANGPTL7 variant cDNA molecule is set forth in SEQ ID NO:140.

The present disclosure provides isolated cDNA molecules comprising orconsisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a TGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:8.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise athymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ IDNO:8, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNAmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 92%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise aTGA codon at positions corresponding to positions 529 to 531 accordingto SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, andcomprise a TGA codon at positions corresponding to positions 529 to 531according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQID NO:8, and comprise a TGA codon at positions corresponding topositions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise a TGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise a TGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:8, and comprise a TGA codon at positionscorresponding to positions 529 to 531 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:8.In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:8.

The present disclosure also provides isolated cDNA molecules comprisingor consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a CAT codon at positionscorresponding to positions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise athymine at a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:9, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNAmolecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at leastabout 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 92%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise aCAT codon at positions corresponding to positions 523 to 525 accordingto SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, andcomprise a CAT codon at positions corresponding to positions 523 to 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQID NO:9, and comprise a CAT codon at positions corresponding topositions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise a CAT codon at positionscorresponding to positions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise a CAT codon at positionscorresponding to positions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:9, and comprise a CAT codon at positionscorresponding to positions 523 to 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof. Herein, if reference is made to percent sequenceidentity, the higher percentages of sequence identity are preferred overthe lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:9.In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules consist of SEQ ID NO:9.

The present disclosure also provides isolated cDNA molecules comprisingor consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an ATC codon at positionscorresponding to positions 481 to 483 according to SEQ ID NO:138.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprisean adenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQID NO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprisean ATC codon at positions corresponding to positions 481 to 483according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQID NO:138, and comprise an ATC codon at positions corresponding topositions 481 to 483 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprise an ATC codon at positionscorresponding to positions 481 to 483 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprise an ATC codon atpositions corresponding to positions 481 to 483 according to SEQ IDNO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, and comprise an ATCcodon at positions corresponding to positions 481 to 483 according toSEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:138, andcomprise an ATC codon at positions corresponding to positions 481 to 483according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof. Herein, ifreference is made to percent sequence identity, the higher percentagesof sequence identity are preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:138.In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules consist of SEQ IDNO:138.

The present disclosure also provides isolated cDNA molecules comprisingor consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a TAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 562 to 564 according to SEQ ID NO:139.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprisean adenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQID NO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise anadenine at a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:139, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise aTAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 562 to 564 accordingto SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, andcomprise a TAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 562 to 564according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQID NO:139, and comprise a TAG codon at positions corresponding topositions 562 to 564 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise a TAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 562 to 564 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise a TAG codon atpositions corresponding to positions 562 to 564 according to SEQ IDNO:139, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:139, and comprise a TAGcodon at positions corresponding to positions 562 to 564 according toSEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is madeto percent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequenceidentity are preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:139.In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules consist of SEQ IDNO:139.

The present disclosure also provides isolated cDNA molecules comprisingor consisting of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, orthe complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculesconsist of a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a CAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 574 to 576 according to SEQ ID NO:140.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 92% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 94% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 96% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise acytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:140, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is made topercent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identityare preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist ofa nucleotide sequence that has at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,or at least about 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise aCAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 574 to 576 accordingto SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, theisolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequencethat has at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, andcomprise a CAG codon at positions corresponding to positions 574 to 576according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof. In someembodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of anucleotide sequence that has at least about 92% sequence identity to SEQID NO:140, and comprise a CAG codon at positions corresponding topositions 574 to 576 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complementthereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise orconsist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 94% sequenceidentity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise a CAG codon at positionscorresponding to positions 574 to 576 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or thecomplement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has at least about 96%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise a CAG codon atpositions corresponding to positions 574 to 576 according to SEQ IDNO:140, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the isolatedcDNA molecules comprise or consist of a nucleotide sequence that has atleast about 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:140, and comprise a CAGcodon at positions corresponding to positions 574 to 576 according toSEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof. Herein, if reference is madeto percent sequence identity, the higher percentages of sequenceidentity are preferred over the lower ones.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise SEQ ID NO:140.In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules consist of SEQ IDNO:140.

The cDNA molecules can be from any organism. For example, the cDNAmolecules can be human or an ortholog from another organism, such as anon-human mammal, a rodent, a mouse, or a rat. It is understood thatcDNA sequences within a population can vary due to polymorphisms such assingle-nucleotide polymorphisms. The examples provided herein are onlyexemplary sequences. Other sequences are also possible.

In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA molecules comprise less than theentire cDNA sequence. In some embodiments, the isolated cDNA moleculescomprise or consist of at least about 5, at least about 8, at leastabout 10, at least about 12, at least about 15, at least about 20, atleast about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40,at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at leastabout 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, or at least about 500contiguous nucleotides of any one or more of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9,SEQ ID NO:138, SEQ ID NO:139, and/or SEQ ID NO:139. In some embodiments,the isolated cDNA molecules comprise or consist of at least about 400 toat least about 500 contiguous nucleotides of any one or more of SEQ IDNO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:138, SEQ ID NO:139, and/or SEQ ID NO:139.In some embodiments, these isolated cDNA molecules comprise the thymineat the position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8.In some embodiments, these isolated cDNA molecules comprise the thymineat the position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9.In some embodiments, these isolated cDNA molecules comprise the adenineat the position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:138. In some embodiments, these isolated cDNA molecules comprise theadenine at the position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQID NO:139. In some embodiments, these isolated cDNA molecules comprisethe cytosine at the position corresponding to position 574 according toSEQ ID NO:140.

The present disclosure also provides fragments of any of the isolatedgenomic nucleic acid molecules, mRNA molecules, or cDNA moleculesdisclosed herein. In some embodiments, the fragments comprise or consistof at least about 5, at least about 8, at least about 10, at least about11, at least about 12, at least about 13, at least about 14, at leastabout 15, at least about 16, at least about 17, at least about 18, atleast about 19, at least about 20, at least about 21, at least about 22,at least about 23, at least about 24, at least about 25, at least about30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at leastabout 50, at least about 55, at least about 60, at least about 65, atleast about 70, at least about 75, at least about 80, at least about 85,at least about 90, at least about 95, or at least about 100 contiguousresidues of any of the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein, or anycomplement thereof. In this regard, the longer fragments are preferredover the shorter ones.

In some embodiments, the fragments comprise or consist of at least about20, at least about 25, at least about 30, or at least about 35contiguous residues of any of the nucleic acid molecules disclosedherein, or any complement thereof. In some embodiments, the fragmentscomprise or consist of the portion of the nucleic acid molecule thatincludes a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ IDNO:2, or includes a position corresponding to position 529 according toSEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:8. In some embodiments, the fragments compriseor consist of the portion of the nucleic acid molecule that includes aposition corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, orincludes a position corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ IDNO:6 or SEQ ID NO:9. In some embodiments, the fragments comprise orconsist of the portion of the nucleic acid molecule that includes aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orincludes a position corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ IDNO:135 or SEQ ID NO:138. In some embodiments, the fragments comprise orconsist of the portion of the nucleic acid molecule that includes aposition corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orincludes a position corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ IDNO:136 or SEQ ID NO:139. In some embodiments, the fragments comprise orconsist of the portion of the nucleic acid molecule that includes aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orincludes a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ IDNO:137 or SEQ ID NO:140. Such fragments may be used, for example, asprobes, primers, alteration-specific probes, or alteration-specificprimers as described or exemplified herein, and include, withoutlimitation primers, probes, antisense RNAs, shRNAs, and siRNAs, each ofwhich is described in more detail elsewhere herein.

Also provided herein are functional polynucleotides that can interactwith the disclosed nucleic acid molecules. Functional polynucleotidesare nucleic acid molecules that have a specific function, such asbinding a target molecule or catalyzing a specific reaction. Examples offunctional polynucleotides include, but are not limited to, antisensemolecules, aptamers, ribozymes, triplex forming molecules, and externalguide sequences. The functional polynucleotides can act as effectors,inhibitors, modulators, and stimulators of a specific activity possessedby a target molecule, or the functional polynucleotides can possess a denovo activity independent of any other molecules.

The isolated nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein can comprise RNA,DNA, or both RNA and DNA. The isolated nucleic acid molecules can alsobe linked or fused to a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, such as in avector, or a heterologous label. For example, the isolated nucleic acidmolecules disclosed herein can be within a vector or as an exogenousdonor sequence comprising the isolated nucleic acid molecule and aheterologous nucleic acid sequence. The isolated nucleic acid moleculescan also be linked or fused to a heterologous label, such as afluorescent label.

The label can be directly detectable (such as, for example, fluorophore)or indirectly detectable (such as, for example, hapten, enzyme, orfluorophore quencher). Such labels can be detectable by spectroscopic,photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical, or chemical means. Suchlabels include, for example, radiolabels, pigments, dyes, chromogens,spin labels, and fluorescent labels. The label can also be, for example,a chemiluminescent substance; a metal-containing substance; or anenzyme, where there occurs an enzyme-dependent secondary generation ofsignal. The term “label” can also refer to a “tag” or hapten that canbind selectively to a conjugated molecule such that the conjugatedmolecule, when added subsequently along with a substrate, is used togenerate a detectable signal. For example, biotin can be used as a tagalong with an avidin or streptavidin conjugate of horseradish peroxidate(HRP) to bind to the tag, and examined using a calorimetric substrate(such as, for example, tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)) or a fluorogenicsubstrate to detect the presence of HRP. Exemplary labels that can beused as tags to facilitate purification include, but are not limited to,myc, HA, FLAG or 3×FLAG, 6×His or polyhistidine,glutathione-S-transferase (GST), maltose binding protein, an epitopetag, or the Fc portion of immunoglobulin. Numerous labels include, forexample, particles, fluorophores, haptens, enzymes and theircalorimetric, fluorogenic and chemiluminescent substrates and otherlabels.

The disclosed nucleic acid molecules can comprise, for example,nucleotides or non-natural or modified nucleotides, such as nucleotideanalogs or nucleotide substitutes. Such nucleotides include a nucleotidethat contains a modified base, sugar, or phosphate group, or thatincorporates a non-natural moiety in its structure. Examples ofnon-natural nucleotides include, but are not limited to,dideoxynucleotides, biotinylated, aminated, deaminated, alkylated,benzylated, and fluorophor-labeled nucleotides.

The nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein can also comprise one ormore nucleotide analogs or substitutions. A nucleotide analog is anucleotide which contains a modification to either the base, sugar, orphosphate moieties. Modifications to the base moiety include, but arenot limited to, natural and synthetic modifications of A, C, G, and T/U,as well as different purine or pyrimidine bases such as, for example,pseudouridine, uracil-5-yl, hypoxanthin-9-yl (I), and2-aminoadenin-9-yl. Modified bases include, but are not limited to,5-methylcytosine (5-me-C), 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine, xanthine,hypoxanthine, 2-aminoadenine, 6-methyl and other alkyl derivatives ofadenine and guanine, 2-propyl and other alkyl derivatives of adenine andguanine, 2-thiouracil, 2-thiothymine and 2-thiocytosine, 5-halouraciland cytosine, 5-propynyl uracil and cytosine, 6-azo uracil, cytosine andthymine, 5-uracil (pseudouracil), 4-thiouracil, 8-halo, 8-amino,8-thiol, 8-thioalkyl, 8-hydroxyl and other 8-substituted adenines andguanines, 5-halo (such as, for example, 5-bromo), 5-trifluoromethyl andother 5-substituted uracils and cytosines, 7-methylguanine,7-methyladenine, 8-azaguanine, 8-azaadenine, 7-deazaguanine,7-deazaadenine, 3-deazaguanine, and 3-deazaadenine.

Nucleotide analogs can also include modifications of the sugar moiety.Modifications to the sugar moiety include, but are not limited to,natural modifications of the ribose and deoxy ribose as well assynthetic modifications. Sugar modifications include, but are notlimited to, the following modifications at the 2′ position: OH; F; O-,S-, or N-alkyl; O-, S-, or N-alkenyl; O-, S- or N-alkynyl; orO-alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl may besubstituted or unsubstituted C₁₋₁₀alkyl or C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, andC₂₋₁₀alkynyl. Exemplary 2′ sugar modifications also include, but are notlimited to, —O[(CH₂)_(n)O]_(m)CH₃, —O(CH₂)_(n)OCH₃, —O(CH₂)_(n)NH₂,—O(CH₂)_(n)CH₃, —O(CH₂)_(n)—ONH₂, and —O(CH₂)_(n)ON[(CH₂)_(n)CH₃)]₂,where n and m are from 1 to about 10. Other modifications at the 2′position include, but are not limited to, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, substituted loweralkyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, SCH₃, OCN, Cl, Br,CN, CF₃, OCF₃, SOCH₃, SO₂CH₃, ONO₂, NO₂, N₃, NH₂, heterocycloalkyl,heterocycloalkaryl, aminoalkylamino, polyalkylamino, substituted silyl,an RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalator, a group forimproving the pharmacokinetic properties of an oligonucleotide, or agroup for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of anoligonucleotide, and other substituents having similar properties.Similar modifications may also be made at other positions on the sugar,particularly the 3′ position of the sugar on the 3′ terminal nucleotideor in 2′-5′ linked oligonucleotides and the 5′ position of 5′ terminalnucleotide. Modified sugars can also include those that containmodifications at the bridging ring oxygen, such as CH₂ and S. Nucleotidesugar analogs can also have sugar mimetics, such as cyclobutyl moietiesin place of the pentofuranosyl sugar.

Nucleotide analogs can also be modified at the phosphate moiety.Modified phosphate moieties include, but are not limited to, those thatcan be modified so that the linkage between two nucleotides contains aphosphorothioate, chiral phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate,phosphotriester, aminoalkylphosphotriester, methyl and other alkylphosphonates including 3′-alkylene phosphonate and chiral phosphonates,phosphinates, phosphoramidates including 3′-amino phosphoramidate andaminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates,thionoalkylphosphonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, andboranophosphates. These phosphate or modified phosphate linkage betweentwo nucleotides can be through a 3′-5′ linkage or a 2′-5′ linkage, andthe linkage can contain inverted polarity such as 3′-5′ to 5′-3′ or2′-5′ to 5′-2′. Various salts, mixed salts, and free acid forms are alsoincluded. Nucleotide substitutes also include peptide nucleic acids(PNAs).

The present disclosure also provides vectors comprising any one or moreof the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein. In some embodiments, thevectors comprise any one or more of the nucleic acid molecules disclosedherein and a heterologous nucleic acid. The vectors can be viral ornonviral vectors capable of transporting a nucleic acid molecule. Insome embodiments, the vector is a plasmid or cosmid (such as, forexample, a circular double-stranded DNA into which additional DNAsegments can be ligated). In some embodiments, the vector is a viralvector, wherein additional DNA segments can be ligated into the viralgenome. Expression vectors include, but are not limited to, plasmids,cosmids, retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses (AAV),plant viruses such as cauliflower mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus,yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), Epstein-Barr (EBV)-derivedepisomes, and other expression vectors known in the art.

Desired regulatory sequences for mammalian host cell expression caninclude, for example, viral elements that direct high levels ofpolypeptide expression in mammalian cells, such as promoters and/orenhancers derived from retroviral LTRs, cytomegalovirus (CMV) (such as,for example, CMV promoter/enhancer), Simian Virus 40 (SV40) (such as,for example, SV40 promoter/enhancer), adenovirus, (such as, for example,the adenovirus major late promoter (AdMLP)), polyoma and strongmammalian promoters such as native immunoglobulin and actin promoters.Methods of expressing polypeptides in bacterial cells or fungal cells(such as, for example, yeast cells) are also well known. A promoter canbe, for example, a constitutively active promoter, a conditionalpromoter, an inducible promoter, a temporally restricted promoter (suchas, for example, a developmentally regulated promoter), or a spatiallyrestricted promoter (such as, for example, a cell-specific ortissue-specific promoter).

Percent identity (or percent complementarity) between particularstretches of nucleotide sequences within nucleic acid molecules or aminoacid sequences within polypeptides can be determined routinely usingBLAST programs (basic local alignment search tools) and PowerBLASTprograms (Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 1990, 215, 403-410; Zhang andMadden, Genome Res., 1997, 7, 649-656) or by using the Gap program(Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, GeneticsComputer Group, University Research Park, Madison Wis.), using defaultsettings, which uses the algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Adv. Appl.Math., 1981, 2, 482-489). Herein, if reference is made to percentsequence identity, the higher percentages of sequence identity arepreferred over the lower ones.

The present disclosure also provides compositions comprising any one ormore of the isolated nucleic acid molecules, genomic nucleic acidmolecules, mRNA molecules, and/or cDNA molecules disclosed herein. Insome embodiments, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Insome embodiments, the compositions comprise a carrier and/or excipient.Examples of carriers include, but are not limited to, poly(lactic acid)(PLA) microspheres, poly(D,L-lactic-coglycolic-acid) (PLGA)microspheres, liposomes, micelles, inverse micelles, lipid cochleates,and lipid microtubules. A carrier may comprise a buffered salt solutionsuch as PBS, HBSS, etc.

The amino acid sequence of an ANGPTL7 reference polypeptide is set forthin SEQ ID NO:10. Referring to SEQ ID NO:10, the ANGPTL7 referencepolypeptide is 346 amino acids in length. Referring to SEQ ID NO:10,position 175 is a glutamine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:10, position 177 isan arginine. Referring to SEQ ID NO:10, position 161 is a phenylalanine.Referring to SEQ ID NO:10, position 188 is a tryptophan. Referring toSEQ ID NO:10, position 192 is a lysine.

An ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide exists (p.Arg177Stop or Arg177Stop), theamino acid sequence of which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:11. Referring toSEQ ID NO:11, the ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide is 176 amino acids inlength. Referring to SEQ ID NO:11, position 177 does not exist due to atruncation at position 176.

Another ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide exists (Gln175His or Q175H), theamino acid sequence of which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:12. Referring toSEQ ID NO:12, the ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide is 346 amino acids inlength. Referring to SEQ ID NO:12, position 175 is a histidine.

Another ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide exists (Phe161Ile or F161I), theamino acid sequence of which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:141. Referring toSEQ ID NO:141, the ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide is 346 amino acids inlength. Referring to SEQ ID NO:141, position 161 is an isoleucine.

Another ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide exists (p.Trp188Stop or Trp188Stop),the amino acid sequence of which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:142.Referring to SEQ ID NO:142, the ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide is 187 aminoacids in length. Referring to SEQ ID NO:142, position 187 is an asparticacid. This variant is a result of a replacement of a guanine with anadenine at position 563 of the reference mRNA molecule or cDNA molecule(see, SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:7, respectively, for reference mRNA andcDNA sequences).

Another ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide exists (Lys192Gln or K192Q), theamino acid sequence of which is set forth in SEQ ID NO:143. Referring toSEQ ID NO:143, the ANGPTL7 variant polypeptide is 346 amino acids inlength. Referring to SEQ ID NO:143, position 192 is a glutamine.

The present disclosure provides isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshaving an amino acid sequence at least about 90%, at least about 91%, atleast about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or atleast about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO:11, and terminating at a positioncorresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. In someembodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acidsequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:11, and terminatingat a position corresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11.In some embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have anamino acid sequence at least about 92% identical to SEQ ID NO:11, andterminating at a position corresponding to position 176 according to SEQID NO:11. In some embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshave an amino acid sequence at least about 94% identical to SEQ IDNO:11, and terminating at a position corresponding to position 176according to SEQ ID NO:11. In some embodiments, the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at least about 96%identical to SEQ ID NO:11, and terminating at a position correspondingto position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. In some embodiments, theisolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at leastabout 98% identical to SEQ ID NO:11, and terminating at a positioncorresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11.

In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO:11. In some embodiments, theamino acid sequence of the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptide consistsof SEQ ID NO:11.

The present disclosure also provides isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshaving an amino acid sequence at least about 90%, at least about 91%, atleast about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or atleast about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprising a histidine ata position corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an aminoacid sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:12, andcomprising a histidine at a position corresponding to position 175according to SEQ ID NO:12. In some embodiments, the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at least about 92%identical to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprising a histidine at a positioncorresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. In someembodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acidsequence at least about 94% identical to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprising ahistidine at a position corresponding to position 175 according to SEQID NO:12. In some embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshave an amino acid sequence at least about 96% identical to SEQ IDNO:12, and comprising a histidine at a position corresponding toposition 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. In some embodiments, theisolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at leastabout 98% identical to SEQ ID NO:12, and comprising a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12.

In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO:12. In some embodiments, theamino acid sequence of the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptide consistsof SEQ ID NO:12.

The present disclosure also provides isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshaving an amino acid sequence at least about 90%, at least about 91%, atleast about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or atleast about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprising an isoleucineat a position corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141.In some embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have anamino acid sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:141, andcomprising an isoleucine at a position corresponding to position 161according to SEQ ID NO:141. In some embodiments, the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at least about 92%identical to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprising an isoleucine at a positioncorresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. In someembodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acidsequence at least about 94% identical to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprisingan isoleucine at a position corresponding to position 161 according toSEQ ID NO:141. In some embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at least about 96% identical toSEQ ID NO:141, and comprising an isoleucine at a position correspondingto position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. In some embodiments, theisolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at leastabout 98% identical to SEQ ID NO:141, and comprising an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141.

In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO:141. In some embodiments, theamino acid sequence of the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptide consistsof SEQ ID NO:141.

The present disclosure also provides isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshaving an amino acid sequence at least about 90%, at least about 91%, atleast about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or atleast about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO:142, and terminating at aposition corresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. Insome embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an aminoacid sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:142, andterminating at a position corresponding to position 187 according to SEQID NO:142. In some embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshave an amino acid sequence at least about 92% identical to SEQ IDNO:142, and terminating at a position corresponding to position 187according to SEQ ID NO:142. In some embodiments, the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at least about 94%identical to SEQ ID NO:142, and terminating at a position correspondingto position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. In some embodiments, theisolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at leastabout 96% identical to SEQ ID NO:142, and terminating at a positioncorresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. In someembodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acidsequence at least about 98% identical to SEQ ID NO:142, and terminatingat a position corresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142.

In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO:142. In some embodiments, theamino acid sequence of the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptide consistsof SEQ ID NO:142.

The present disclosure also provides isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshaving an amino acid sequence at least about 90%, at least about 91%, atleast about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or atleast about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprising a glutamineat a position corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143.In some embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have anamino acid sequence at least about 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:143, andcomprising a glutamine at a position corresponding to position 192according to SEQ ID NO:143. In some embodiments, the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at least about 92%identical to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprising a glutamine at a positioncorresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. In someembodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acidsequence at least about 94% identical to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprising aglutamine at a position corresponding to position 192 according to SEQID NO:143. In some embodiments, the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptideshave an amino acid sequence at least about 96% identical to SEQ IDNO:143, and comprising a glutamine at a position corresponding toposition 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. In some embodiments, theisolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptides have an amino acid sequence at leastabout 98% identical to SEQ ID NO:143, and comprising a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143.

In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the isolated humanANGPTL7 polypeptide comprises SEQ ID NO:143. In some embodiments, theamino acid sequence of the isolated human ANGPTL7 polypeptide consistsof SEQ ID NO:143.

In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise or consist of atleast about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30,at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at leastabout 90, at least about 100, at least about 150, at least about 200, atleast about 250, at least about 300, at least about 350, at least about400, at least about 450, at least about 500, at least about 550, or atleast about 600 contiguous amino acids of any one or more of SEQ IDNO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:141, SEQ ID NO:142, and/or SEQ ID NO:143.In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptides terminate at a positioncorresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. In someembodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. Insome embodiments, the isolated polypeptides terminate at a positioncorresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. In someembodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143.

In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise or consist of anamino acid sequence at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at leastabout 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%,at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at leastabout 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%,at least about 99%, or 100% identical to at least about 8, at leastabout 10, at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, atleast about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45,at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 150, at leastabout 200, at least about 250, at least about 300, at least about 350,at least about 400, at least about 450, at least about 500, at leastabout 550, or at least about 600 contiguous amino acids of any one ormore of SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:141, SEQ ID NO:142, and/orSEQ ID NO:143. In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptides terminateat a position corresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11.In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. Insome embodiments, the isolated polypeptides terminate at a positioncorresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. In someembodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143.

In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise or consist of anamino acid sequence at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at leastabout 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%,at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at leastabout 99%, or 100% identical to at least about 8, at least about 10, atleast about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30,at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at leastabout 90, at least about 100, at least about 150, at least about 200, atleast about 250, at least about 300, at least about 350, at least about400, at least about 450, at least about 500, at least about 550, or atleast about 600 contiguous amino acids of any one or more of SEQ IDNO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:141, SEQ ID NO:142, and/or SEQ ID NO:143.In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptides terminate at a positioncorresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. In someembodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise a histidine at aposition corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. Insome embodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise an isoleucine at aposition corresponding to position 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. Insome embodiments, the isolated polypeptides terminate at a positioncorresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. In someembodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise a glutamine at aposition corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143.

The isolated polypeptides disclosed herein can comprise an amino acidsequence of a naturally occurring ANGPTL7 polypeptide, or can comprise anon-naturally occurring sequence. In some embodiments, the naturallyoccurring sequence can differ from the non-naturally occurring sequencedue to conservative amino acid substitutions. For example, the sequencecan be identical with the exception of conservative amino acidsubstitutions.

In some embodiments, the isolated polypeptides comprise non-natural ormodified amino acids or peptide analogs. For example, there are numerousD-amino acids or amino acids which have a different functionalsubstituent than the naturally occurring amino acids.

The present disclosure also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding anyof the polypeptides disclosed herein. This includes all degeneratesequences related to a specific polypeptide sequence (i.e., all nucleicacids having a sequence that encodes one particular polypeptide sequenceas well as all nucleic acids, including degenerate nucleic acids,encoding the disclosed variants and derivatives of the proteinsequences). Thus, while each particular nucleic acid sequence may not bewritten out herein, each and every sequence is in fact disclosed anddescribed herein through the disclosed polypeptide sequences.

The present disclosure also provides compositions comprising any one ormore of the nucleic acid molecules and/or any one or more of thepolypeptides disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the compositionscomprise a carrier. Examples of carriers include, but are not limitedto, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres,poly(D,L-lactic-coglycolic-acid) (PLGA) microspheres, liposomes,micelles, inverse micelles, lipid cochleates, and lipid microtubules.

The present disclosure also provides methods of producing any of theANGPTL7 polypeptides or fragments thereof disclosed herein. Such ANGPTL7polypeptides or fragments thereof can be produced by any suitablemethod.

The present disclosure also provides cells comprising any one or more ofthe nucleic acid molecules and/or any one or more of the polypeptidesdisclosed herein. The cells can be in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo.Nucleic acid molecules can be linked to a promoter and other regulatorysequences so they are expressed to produce an encoded protein.

In some embodiments, the cell is a totipotent cell or a pluripotent cellsuch as, for example, an embryonic stem (ES) cell such as a rodent EScell, a mouse ES cell, or a rat ES cell. In some embodiments, the cellis a primary somatic cell, or a cell that is not a primary somatic cell.The cell can be from any source. For example, the cell can be aeukaryotic cell, an animal cell, a plant cell, or a fungal (such as, forexample, yeast) cell. Such cells can be fish cells or bird cells, orsuch cells can be mammalian cells, such as human cells, non-humanmammalian cells, rodent cells, mouse cells or rat cells. Mammalsinclude, but are not limited to, humans, non-human primates, monkeys,apes, cats dogs, horses, bulls, deer, bison, sheep, rodents (such as,for example, mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs), livestock (such as, forexample, bovine species such as cows, steer, etc.; ovine species such assheep, goats, etc.; and porcine species such as pigs and boars). Theterm “non-human animal” excludes humans.

The nucleotide and amino acid sequences listed in the accompanyingsequence listing are shown using standard letter abbreviations fornucleotide bases, and three-letter code for amino acids. The nucleotidesequences follow the standard convention of beginning at the 5′ end ofthe sequence and proceeding forward (i.e., from left to right in eachline) to the 3′ end. Only one strand of each nucleotide sequence isshown, but the complementary strand is understood to be included by anyreference to the displayed strand. The amino acid sequence follows thestandard convention of beginning at the amino terminus of the sequenceand proceeding forward (i.e., from left to right in each line) to thecarboxy terminus.

As used herein, the phrase “corresponding to” or grammatical variationsthereof when used in the context of the numbering of a particularnucleotide or nucleotide sequence or position refers to the numbering ofa specified reference sequence when the particular nucleotide ornucleotide sequence is compared to a reference sequence (such as, forexample, SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:4, or SEQ ID NO:7). In other words, theresidue (such as, for example, nucleotide or amino acid) number orresidue (such as, for example, nucleotide or amino acid) position of aparticular polymer is designated with respect to the reference sequencerather than by the actual numerical position of the residue within theparticular nucleotide or nucleotide sequence. For example, a particularnucleotide sequence can be aligned to a reference sequence byintroducing gaps to optimize residue matches between the two sequences.In these cases, although the gaps are present, the numbering of theresidue in the particular nucleotide or nucleotide sequence is made withrespect to the reference sequence to which it has been aligned.

For example, a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291according to SEQ ID NO:2 means that if the nucleotide sequence of theANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acid molecule is aligned to the sequence of SEQID NO:2, the ANGPTL7 sequence has a thymine residue at the position thatcorresponds to position 4,291 of SEQ ID NO:2. The same applies for mRNAmolecules comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, andcDNA molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8. Inother words, these phrases refer to a nucleic acid molecule encoding anANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the genomic nucleic acid molecule has anucleotide sequence that comprises a thymine residue that is homologousto the thymine residue at position 4,291 of SEQ ID NO:2 (or wherein themRNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence that comprises a uracil residuethat is homologous to the uracil residue at position 529 of SEQ ID NO:5,or wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence that comprises athymine residue that is homologous to the thymine residue at position529 of SEQ ID NO:8). Herein, such a sequence is also referred to as“ANGPTL7 sequence with the C4,291T alteration” or “ANGPTL7 sequence withthe C4,291T variation” referring to genomic nucleic acid molecules (or“ANGPTL7 sequence with the C529U alteration” or “ANGPTL7 sequence withthe C529U variation” referring to mRNA molecules, and “ANGPTL7 sequencewith the C529T alteration” or “ANGPTL7 sequence with the C529Tvariation” referring to cDNA molecules).

As described herein, a position within an ANGPTL7 genomic nucleic acidmolecule that corresponds to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2 canbe identified by performing a sequence alignment between the nucleotidesequence of a particular ANGPTL7 nucleic acid molecule and thenucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. A variety of computationalalgorithms exist that can be used for performing a sequence alignment toidentify a nucleotide position that corresponds to, for example,position 4,291 in SEQ ID NO:2. For example, by using the NCBI BLASTalgorithm (Altschul et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1997, 25, 3389-3402) orCLUSTALW software (Sievers and Higgins, Methods Mol. Biol., 2014, 1079,105-116) sequence alignments may be performed. However, sequences canalso be aligned manually.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the treatment of anophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein the human subject has:a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQID NO:2, or the complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotidesequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotidesequence comprises a uracil at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; a cDNA moleculehaving a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or thecomplement thereof; or an ANGPTL7 polypeptide that terminates at aposition corresponding to position 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. Thetherapeutic agents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition can beany of the therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmiccondition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the preparation of amedicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in a human subject,wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof; anmRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that terminates at a position corresponding to position 176according to SEQ ID NO:11. The therapeutic agents that treat or inhibitan ophthalmic condition can be any of the therapeutic agents that treator inhibit an ophthalmic condition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thetreatment of an ophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein thehuman subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotidesequence comprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, or the complement thereof; an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 529 according to SEQ ID NO:5, or thecomplement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that terminates at a position corresponding to position 176according to SEQ ID NO:11. The ANGPTL7 inhibitors can be any of theANGPTL7 inhibitors described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thepreparation of a medicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in ahuman subject, wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acidmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, orthe complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a uracil at a position corresponding to position 529 accordingto SEQ ID NO:5, or the complement thereof; a cDNA molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 529 according to SEQ ID NO:8, or the complement thereof; or anANGPTL7 polypeptide that terminates at a position corresponding toposition 176 according to SEQ ID NO:11. The ANGPTL7 inhibitors can beany of the ANGPTL7 inhibitors described herein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the treatment of anophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein the human subject has:a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises athymine at a position corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQID NO:3, or the complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotidesequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotidesequence comprises a uracil at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; a cDNA moleculehaving a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a positioncorresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or thecomplement thereof; or an ANGPTL7 polypeptide that comprises a histidineat a position corresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12.The therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition canbe any of the therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmiccondition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the preparation of amedicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in a human subject,wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof; anmRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that comprises a histidine at a position corresponding toposition 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. The therapeutic agents thattreat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition can be any of the therapeuticagents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thetreatment of an ophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein thehuman subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotidesequence comprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, or the complement thereof; an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a uracil at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:6, or thecomplement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a thymine at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that comprises a histidine at a position corresponding toposition 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. The ANGPTL7 inhibitors can beany of the ANGPTL7 inhibitors described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thepreparation of a medicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in ahuman subject, wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acidmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, orthe complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a uracil at a position corresponding to position 525 accordingto SEQ ID NO:6, or the complement thereof; a cDNA molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, or the complement thereof; or anANGPTL7 polypeptide that comprises a histidine at a positioncorresponding to position 175 according to SEQ ID NO:12. The ANGPTL7inhibitors can be any of the ANGPTL7 inhibitors described herein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the treatment of anophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein the human subject has:a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQID NO:132, or the complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof; acDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, orthe complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7 polypeptide that comprises anisoleucine at a position corresponding to position 161 according to SEQID NO:141. The therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmiccondition can be any of the therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit anophthalmic condition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the preparation of amedicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in a human subject,wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof; anmRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, orthe complement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that comprises an isoleucine at a position corresponding toposition 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. The therapeutic agents thattreat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition can be any of the therapeuticagents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thetreatment of an ophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein thehuman subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotidesequence comprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, or the complement thereof; an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:135, orthe complement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:138, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that comprises an isoleucine at a position corresponding toposition 161 according to SEQ ID NO:141. The ANGPTL7 inhibitors can beany of the ANGPTL7 inhibitors described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thepreparation of a medicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in ahuman subject, wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acidmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, orthe complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135, or the complement thereof; a cDNA moleculehaving a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, or thecomplement thereof; or an ANGPTL7 polypeptide that comprises anisoleucine at a position corresponding to position 161 according to SEQID NO:141. The ANGPTL7 inhibitors can be any of the ANGPTL7 inhibitorsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the treatment of anophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein the human subject has:a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises anadenine at a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQID NO:133, or the complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof; acDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, orthe complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7 polypeptide that terminates at aposition corresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. Thetherapeutic agents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition can beany of the therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmiccondition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the preparation of amedicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in a human subject,wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof; anmRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, orthe complement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that terminates at a position corresponding to position 187according to SEQ ID NO:142. The therapeutic agents that treat or inhibitan ophthalmic condition can be any of the therapeutic agents that treator inhibit an ophthalmic condition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thetreatment of an ophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein thehuman subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotidesequence comprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, or the complement thereof; an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, orthe complement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that terminates at a position corresponding to position 187according to SEQ ID NO:142. The ANGPTL7 inhibitors can be any of theANGPTL7 inhibitors described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thepreparation of a medicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in ahuman subject, wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acidmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at aposition corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ ID NO:133, orthe complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:136, or the complement thereof; a cDNA moleculehaving a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 563 according to SEQ ID NO:139, or thecomplement thereof; or an ANGPTL7 polypeptide that terminates at aposition corresponding to position 187 according to SEQ ID NO:142. TheANGPTL7 inhibitors can be any of the ANGPTL7 inhibitors describedherein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the treatment of anophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein the human subject has:a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding ahuman ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises acytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQID NO:134, or the complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof; acDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, orthe complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7 polypeptide that comprises aglutamine at a position corresponding to position 192 according to SEQID NO:143. The therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmiccondition can be any of the therapeutic agents that treat or inhibit anophthalmic condition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides therapeutic agents that treat orinhibit an ophthalmic condition for use in the preparation of amedicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in a human subject,wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein thenucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding toposition 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof; anmRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, orthe complement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that comprises a glutamine at a position corresponding toposition 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. The therapeutic agents thattreat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition can be any of the therapeuticagents that treat or inhibit an ophthalmic condition described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thetreatment of an ophthalmic condition in a human subject, wherein thehuman subject has: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotidesequence comprises a cytosine at a position corresponding to position4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, or the complement thereof; an mRNAmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:137, orthe complement thereof; a cDNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:140, or the complement thereof; or an ANGPTL7polypeptide that comprises a glutamine at a position corresponding toposition 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143. The ANGPTL7 inhibitors can beany of the ANGPTL7 inhibitors described herein.

The present disclosure also provides ANGPTL7 inhibitors for use in thepreparation of a medicament for treating an ophthalmic condition in ahuman subject, wherein the human subject has: a genomic nucleic acidmolecule having a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at aposition corresponding to position 4,336 according to SEQ ID NO:134, orthe complement thereof; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequenceencoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide, wherein the nucleotide sequencecomprises a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574according to SEQ ID NO:137, or the complement thereof; a cDNA moleculehaving a nucleotide sequence encoding a human ANGPTL7 polypeptide,wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises a cytosine at a positioncorresponding to position 574 according to SEQ ID NO:140, or thecomplement thereof; or an ANGPTL7 polypeptide that comprises a glutamineat a position corresponding to position 192 according to SEQ ID NO:143.The ANGPTL7 inhibitors can be any of the ANGPTL7 inhibitors describedherein.

All patent documents, websites, other publications, accession numbersand the like cited above or below are incorporated by reference in theirentirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual itemwere specifically and individually indicated to be so incorporated byreference. If different versions of a sequence are associated with anaccession number at different times, the version associated with theaccession number at the effective filing date of this application ismeant. The effective filing date means the earlier of the actual filingdate or filing date of a priority application referring to the accessionnumber if applicable. Likewise, if different versions of a publication,website or the like are published at different times, the version mostrecently published at the effective filing date of the application ismeant unless otherwise indicated. Any feature, step, element,embodiment, or aspect of the present disclosure can be used incombination with any other feature, step, element, embodiment, or aspectunless specifically indicated otherwise. Although the present disclosurehas been described in some detail by way of illustration and example forpurposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims.

The following examples are provided to describe the embodiments ingreater detail. They are intended to illustrate, not to limit, theclaimed embodiments. The following examples provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a disclosure and description of how the compounds,compositions, articles, devices and/or methods described herein are madeand evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary and are notintended to limit the scope of any claims. Efforts have been made toensure accuracy with respect to numbers (such as, for example, amounts,temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations may be accounted for.Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in° C. or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or nearatmospheric.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Exome Sequencing Analysis

Exome sequencing and analysis at the Regeneron Genetics Center inconjunction with the UK Biobank (UKB) 50K exome dataset identified thatthe putative loss-of-function variant, p.Arg177Stop, significantlyassociates with decreased IOP (Table 10). Table 11 shows the associationof the M1 mask, which is an aggregate of all pLOFs (≤1% alt. allelefrequency) within ANGPTL7, with IOP. This result supports the singlevariant pLOF association shown in Table 10 as 27/29 carriers have thep.Arg177Stop variant shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Pheno- Effect N type Dataset (CI) sd Pvalue AAF RR/RA/AA IOPcc50k −0.40 3.490E−02 0.04% 33,616 Exome (−0.78, 33,589/27/0 −0.03) IOPg50k −0.56  3.22E−03 0.04% 33,618 Exome (−0.93, 33,591/27/0 −0.19)

TABLE 11 Pheno- N Name Dataset type Effect (CI) sd Pvalue AAF RR/RA/AAM1.1 50k IOPcc −0.38 (−0.74, 4.2E−02 0.04% 33,616 Exome −0.01)33,587/29/0 50k IOPg −0.49 (−0.85, 7.5E−03 0.04% 33,618 Exome −0.13)33,589/29/0

Additional exome sequencing and analysis at the Regeneron GeneticsCenter in conjunction with the Geisinger Health System 60k (GHS60k),GHS30k and/or UKB were carried out, the results of which are shown inTables 12-17.

Association of a missense (p.Gln175His) variant in ANGPTL7 with glaucomain the imputed dataset in GHS60k, GHS30k and UKB, and the meta-analysisof the three cohorts is shown in Table 12. The direction of effect(decreased IOP) of p.Gln175His is the same as the direction of effect ofthe pLOF p.Arg177Stop variant shown in Tables 10 and 11 suggesting thatthe Gln175His change acts to reduce the function of ANGPTL7.

TABLE 12 Phenotype Dataset OR (95% CI) Pval AAF Glaucoma META 0.734(0.632, 0.853) 5.59E−05 0.0069 Glaucoma UKB_Imputed_EUR 0.688 (0.574,0.825) 5.35E−05 0.0076 Glaucoma GHS_GSA_Imputed_EUR 0.612 (0.288, 1.302)2.02E−01 0.0021 Glaucoma GHS_Omni_Imputed_EUR 0.959 (0.681, 1.349)8.09E−01 0.0028 Ncase Nctrl Phenotype Dataset Direction RR|RA|AARR|RA|AA Glaucoma META — 14,493 528,025 14,373|120|0 520,720|7,274|31Glaucoma UKB_Imputed_EUR — 8,624 452,880 8,537|87|0 445,957|6,892|31Glaucoma GHS_GSA_Imputed_EUR — 975 26,065 971|4|0 25,955|110|0 GlaucomaGHS_Omni_Imputed_EUR — 4,894 49,080 4,865|29|0 48,808|272|0

Association of the missense (p.Gln175His) variant with IOPg in theimputed dataset in GHS60k, GHS30k and UKB, and the meta-analysis of thethree cohorts is shown in Table 13.

TABLE 13 Phenotype Dataset Effect (95% CI) Pval IOPg META −0.221(−0.269, −0.173) 1.16E-19 IOPg UKB_Imputed_EUR −0.234 (−0.284, −0.184)6.40E-20 IOPg GHS_GSA_Imputed_EUR −0.249 (−0.6, 0.102) 0.16 IOPgGHS_Omni_Imputed_EUR −0.061 (−0.233, 0.111) 0.48 Phenotype Dataset AAFDirection N RR|RA|AA IOPg META 0.0069 — 111,548  110019|1523|6 IOPgUKB_Imputed_EUR 0.0077 — 92,484 91,073|1,405|6 IOPg GHS_GSA_Imputed_EUR0.0025 —  4,135 4,114|21|0 IOPg GHS_Omni_Imputed_EUR 0.0032 — 14,92914,832|97|0

Association of the missense (p.Gln175His) variant with IOPg in the exomedataset in GHS60k, GHS30k and UKB, and the meta-analysis of the threecohorts is shown in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Phenotype Data set Effect (95% CI) Pval IOPg META −0.143(−0.213, −0.073) 6.77E−05 IOPg UKB_50K_Exome_EUR −0.156 (−0.24, −0.072)2.70E−04 IOPg GHS_IDT_Exome_EUR −0.24 (−0.53, 0.051) 1.10E−01 IOPgGHS_VCRome_Exome_EUR −0.081 (−0.224, 0.062) 2.70E−01 Phenotype DatasetAAF Direction N RR|RA|AA IOPg META 0.0073 — 52,925 52,159|762|4 IOPgUKB_50K_Exome_EUR 0.0079 — 33,618 33,088|526|4 IOPg GHS_IDT_Exome_EUR0.0055 — 4,187 4,141|46|0 IOPg GHS_VCRome_Exome_EUR 0.0063 — 15,12014,930|190|0

Association of the missense (p.Gln175His) variant with glaucoma in theexome dataset in GHS60k, GHS30k and UKB, and the meta-analysis of thethree cohorts is shown in Table 15.

TABLE 15 Phenotype Dataset OR (95% CI) pval AAF Glaucoma META 0.822(0.655, 1.032) 9.16E−02 0.0063 Glaucoma UKB_50K_Exome_EUR 0.726 (0.436,1.209) 2.19E−01 0.0077 Glaucoma GHS_IDT_Exome_EUR 0.745 (0.388, 1.431)3.77E−01 0.0050 Glaucoma GHS_VCRome_Exome_EUR 0.875 (0.651, 1.176)3.76E−01 0.0057 Ncase Phenotype Dataset Direction RR|RA|AA NctrlRR|RA|AA Glaucoma META — 6,967 121,924 6,899|67|1 120,377|1,539|8Glaucoma UKB_50K_Exome_EUR — 1,021 45,766 1,010|11|0 45,060|702|4Glaucoma GHS_IDT_Exome_EUR — 984 977|7|0 26,402 26,137|262|3 GlaucomaGHS_VCRome_Exome_EUR — 4,962 49,756 4,912|49|1 49,180|575|1

Association of the M1.1 (pLOF variants≤1.% AAF) mask in ANGPTL7 withIOPg in burden test is shown in Table 16.

TABLE 16 Phenotype Dataset Effect (95% CI) Pval AAF IOPg META −0.512(−0.827, −0.197) 1.46E−03 0.00039 IOPg UKB_50K_Exome_EUR −0.49 (−0.85,−0.131) 7.50E−03 0.00043 IOPg GHS_IDT_Exome_EUR NA NA NA IOPgGHS_VCRome_Exome_EUR −0.582 (−1.236, 0.072) 8.10E−02 0.00030 PhenotypeDataset Direction N RR|RA|AA IOPg META —?— 48,738 48,700|38|0 IOPgUKB_50K_Exome_EUR — 33,618 33,589|29|0 IOPg GHS_IDT Exome_EUR NA NA IOPgGHS_VCRome_Exome_EUR — 15,120|15,111|9|0

Association of the missense (p.Gln175His) variant with IOPcc in theexome and genotyped/imputed datasets in UKB is shown in Table H.

TABLE 17 Phenotype Dataset Effect (95% CI) Pval IOPcc UKB_50K_Exome_EUR−0.13 2.6E−02 (−0.214, −0.045) IOPcc UKB_Imputed_EUR −0.179 5.4E−12(−0.23, −0.128) Phenotype Dataset AAF N RR|RA|AA IOPcc UKB_50K_Exome EUR0.0079 33,616 33,087|525|4 IOPcc UKB_Imputed_EUR 0.0077 92,62991,217|1,406|6

Example 2: Genetic and Functional Studies Identify ANGPTL7 as aTherapeutic Target for Glaucoma

Study Design and Participants

Association tests using data from 5 cohorts were carried out. Thecohorts included: 1) The UK Biobank (UKB) is a large prospective studywhere >500,000 individuals aged 40 to 69 years were recruited over 4years, and extensive data on lifestyle, environment, medical history,physical measures and DNA samples, were collected. For genome-wideassociation conducted on the whole UKB cohort, 92,672 European and 4,179African ancestry participants with IOP measurements were included in theIOP analyses. In glaucoma association analyses, 8,639 cases and 453,746controls of European, and 371 cases and 9,361 controls of Africanancestry were included. For exome-wide association conducted on about150,000 UKB participants that have been sequenced, 47,096 European and1,743 African ancestry individuals were included in the IOP analyses. 2)The DiscovEHR study population (GHS), consisting of a total of about145,000 sequenced individuals from the MyCode Community HealthInitiative of Geisinger, from which 29,395 individuals with IOPmeasurements and were not diagnosed with glaucoma, 8,154 glaucoma casesand 116,557 controls were included. 3) The Malmo diet and cancer study(MDCS), based in Sweden, includes about 29,000 participants recruited tostudy the effects of diet on cancer. 1,708 cases of glaucoma and 26,222controls from MDCS were included. 4) Mount Sinai's BioMe PersonalizedMedicine Cohort (MSSM) is an electronic health record (EHR)-linkedclinical care cohort consisting of about 31,000 participants of diverseancestries characterized by a broad spectrum of biomedical traits. 424cases and 8,774 controls of European, and 1,349 cases and 11,258controls of African ancestry were used for glaucoma analyses. 5) ThePrimary Open Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study isa 5-year, population-based project consisting of self-identifiedindividuals of African descent 35 years of age or older recruited fromthe Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania and itsresearch affiliates in Philadelphia. For IOP association analyses inPOAAGG, 3,097 individuals with IOP measurements who also did not have aPOAG diagnosis were included, and 2,474 POAG cases and 4,092 controlswere included in the glaucoma association analyses.

Phenotype Definitions

IOP in UKB was measured in each eye using the Ocular Response Analyzer(ORA, Reichert Corp., Buffalo, New York). Participants were excludedfrom this test if they reported having eye surgery in the preceding 4weeks or having an eye infection. The ORA calculates two forms of IOP, aGoldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) and a corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc).IOPg most closely approximates the IOP measured by the Goldmannapplanation tonometer, which has been the gold standard for measuringIOP, while IOPcc provides a measure of IOP that is adjusted to removethe influence of corneal biomechanics. For this study, IOPg was focusedon, as this measurement was the most comparable to IOP measurements inother cohorts, and herein IOPg will be referred to as IOP. Forassociation analyses of IOP, the following individuals were excluded: 1)with a glaucoma diagnosis (N=1,932), 2) with IOP measures that were morethan 5 standard deviations away from the mean, and 3) with more than a10-mmHg difference between both eyes. A mean IOP measure between botheyes was developed for each individual. IOP of only one eye was used ininstances where IOP measures for both eyes were not available. As forUKB, the mean IOP between left and right eyes for GHS (the most recentIOP measure in the EHR was used) and POAAGG were analyzed, applying thesame exclusions and criteria outlined above.

Glaucoma ICD-based definitions of cases in UKB required one primarydiagnosis or secondary diagnoses of ICD10-H40 in the in-patient HealthEpisode Statistics (HES) records. ICD-based glaucoma case definition inGHS, MDCS and MSSM required an in-patient diagnosis or outpatientdiagnoses of ICD10-H40 in the EHR. ICD-based excludes had primary orsecondary diagnoses in the code range (H40-H42). ICD-based controls forglaucoma were defined as individuals who were not cases or excluded.

For UKB, ICD-based and self-reported glaucoma were combined in the casedefinition where individuals were considered cases if they: identified‘glaucoma’ from the eye problems or disorders list in the touchscreenquestionnaire or, stated they had glaucoma in the verbal interview or,were a case for ICD10 H40 glaucoma. Normal controls for glaucoma in UKBwere defined as individuals who did not report having glaucoma in thetouchscreen or the verbal interview, and were defined as controls forICD-based glaucoma as described above (Van Hout, 2019, BioRxiv. https at“//doi.org/10.1101/572347”).

A detailed description of criteria used to define glaucoma cases inPOAAGG is provided elsewhere (Charlson, Ophthalmology, 2015, 122,711-20). In brief, POAG cases were defined as having an openiridocorneal angle and characteristic glaucomatous optic nerve findingsin one or both eyes, characteristic visual field defects and allsecondary causes of glaucoma excluded. Controls in POAAGG defined assubjects older than 35, without high myopia (greater than −8.00diopters) or presbyopia (+8.00 diopters), a family history of POAG,abnormal visual field, IOP greater than 21 mmHg, neuroretinal rimthinning, excavation, notching or nerve fiber layer defects, opticnerves asymmetry or a cup to disc ratio between eyes greater than 0.2.Additional controls for POAAGG were identified from the Penn MedicineBiobank as individuals without ICD9 diagnoses for glaucoma.

Sample Preparation, Sequencing and Genotyping

Sample preparation and whole-exome sequencing for UKB, GHS, MDCS, MSSM,and POAAGG were performed as described (Dewey, Science, 2016, 354, 6319;and Van Hout, 2019, BioRxiv. https at “//doi.org/10.1101/572347”).Details on DNA extraction and genotyping for UK Biobank participants aredescribed in Bycroft (Bycroft, Nature, 2019, 562, 203-209).

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis included burden test description, rare variantanalysis, and meta-analysis methods.

Human Trabecular Meshwork (TM) Cell Culture and Dexamethasone Treatment

Human TM cells were obtained from the Stamer laboratory at DukeUniversity, NC, and characterized using previously developedmethodology. Human TM cells were cultured and maintained in Dulbecco'smodified Eagle's medium (DMEM) (Invitrogen-Gibco Life Technologies,Grand Island, NY, USA) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS;Atlas Biologicals, Fort Collins, CO, USA), penicillin (100 units/mL),streptomycin (0.1 mg/mL), and L-glutamine (0.292 mg/mL) (Thermo FisherScientific, Rockford, IL, USA). Human TM cells were cultured on six-wellplates until confluent and then treated with vehicle control (0.1%ethanol) or dexamethasone (DEX, 100 nM) for another 72 hours.

IOP Measurements

Isoflurane anesthetized IOPs were measured as previously described. ForIOP measurements, mice were anesthetized before IOP was measured in botheyes using a TonoLab rebound tonometer (Colonial Medical Supply,Franconia, N H). IOP measurements for both eyes were completed in 3-5minutes. IOP in each eye was measured before start of Angptl7 injectionsand every day afterwards for six days.

Intravitreal Injection of ANGPTL7 Protein

A 33-gauge needle with a glass microsyringe (5-4 volume; HamiltonCompany) was used. The eye was proptosed, and the needle was insertedthrough the equatorial sclera and inserted into the vitreous chamber atan angle of approximately 45 degrees, taking care to avoid touching theposterior part of the lens or the retina. ANGPTL7 protein (catalog#4960-AN-025; R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN) or PBS (1 μL) was injectedinto the vitreous over the course of 1 minute. The needle was then leftin place for a further 45 seconds (to facilitate mixing), before beingrapidly withdrawn. Only one injection was administered at day 0.

Intracameral Injection of ANGPTL7 Protein

A 33-gauge needle with a glass microsyringe (5-4 volume) (HamiltonCompany) was used. Before and during injection, mice were anesthetizedwith isoflurane (2.5%) containing oxygen (0.8 L/min). For topicalanesthesia, both eyes received one to two drops of 0.5% proparacaine HCl(Akorn, Inc.). Each eye was proptosed and the needle was insertedthrough the cornea just above the limbal region and into the anteriorchamber at an angle parallel to the cornea, taking care to avoidtouching the iris, anterior lens capsule epithelium, or cornealendothelium. Up to 1 μL of ANGPTL7 protein (catalog #4960-AN-025; R&DSystems, Minneapolis, MN) or PBS was injected slowly (over a 30-secondperiod). The needle was then withdrawn. The procedure was performed onboth eyes of each animal. Only one injection was administered at day 0.

In Situ Hybridization Using RNAScope

The expression pattern of TM single cell cluster specific geneexpression in the human donor eye was determined by in situhybridization using RNAScope® according to manufacturer's specifications(Advanced Cell Diagnostics). Briefly, 10% NBF fixed and paraffinembedded human donor eye cups were cut into 5 to 10 μm sections andmounted on SUPERFROST® Plus glass slides. For RNAScope, slides werebaked on slide warmer for 1 hour at 60′C and deparaffinized for 20minutes. Tissue sections then underwent 10 minutes of Pretreat1-RNAScope hydrogen peroxide treatment at room temperature, followed by20 minutes of boiling at 90° C. in Pretreat 2-target retrieval treatmentin Oster Steamer (IHC World, LLC, Model 5709) and 30 minutes of Pretreat3-RNAScope protease plus treatment at 40° C. in a HybEZ Oven. Tissuesections were then incubated with DNase I for 10 minutes at 40° C. toreduce potential background from probes binding to genomic DNA. Tissuesections were then washed five times with water, hybridized withRNAScope probes for 2 hours at 40° C. and the remainder of themanufacturer's assay protocol was implemented from Amplified 1 toAmplified 6. The slides were washed twice (two minutes each at roomtemperature) with RNAScope wash buffer. Signal was detected byincubation with Red working solution (1:60 ratio of Red B to Red A) atroom temperature for 10 minutes in the absence of light, followed bywashing the slides in water several times and viewing under microscope.In some experiments, fluorescent signals were visualized and capturedusing an open-field Nikon Eclipse Ti-E microscope.

Cell Culture.

HEK293 cell line was cultured in DMEM media (4.5 g/L D-Glucose, (+)L-Glutamine, (−) Sodium Phosphate, (−) Sodium Pyruvate supplemented with10% FBS and 1% Penicillin-Streptomycin-Glutamine (BRAND), at 37° C. in ahumidified atmosphere under 5% CO2.

Transfection.

The day before transfection, HEK293 cells were seeded in OptiMEMsupplemented with 10% FBS. After 24 hours, the cells were transfectedwith FuGENE 6, and 10 ug of pcDNA 3.1(+) encoding the followingproteins: ANGPTL7 wild type, Gln175His, and Arg177*. After 24 hours, themedia was changed with 2% FBS OptiMEM. The following day, the cells werecollected in RIPA buffer, supplemented with protease and phosphataseinhibitors (BRAND) or TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen) for protein and RNAanalysis, respectively. The supernatants were transferred to anEppendorf tube and immediately flash frozen for downstream proteinanalysis.

RNA Extraction and Taqman Analysis.

Total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen) and RNeasy kit(Qiagen) according to manufacturer's instructions and treated withRNase-free DNase I (Promega). cDNA was synthesized using SuperscriptVILO cDNA synthesis kit (Invitrogen). Taqman analysis was performedusing TaqMan Fast Advanced Master Mix (Applied Biosystems) in aQuantStudio 6 Flex (Applied Biosystems) and commercially availableprimers and probes for ANGPTL7 (Hs00221727—Applied Biosystem) and GAPDH(Hs02786624_g1—Applied Biosystem).

Western Blot.

Western blot analysis was performed using a rabbit polyclonal antibodyagainst ANGPTL7 at 1:1,000 dilution (10396-1-AP ProteinTech), usingstandard procedures.

ELISA Assay.

ANGPTL7 was quantified by ELISA according to manufacturer's instructions(LS-F50425 Life Sciences). The cell lysates were diluted 1:1,000. Thesupernatants were diluted 1:10,000. The ELISA plate was read at 450 nmvia SpectraMax M4 plate reader (Molecular Devices).

Results

Coding Variants in ANGPTL7 are Associated with IOP and Glaucoma

The effect of rare coding variation on IOP was studied across two largecohorts, UK Biobank (UKB) and Geisinger DiscovEHR (GHS) (FIG. 1 ), on120,145 individuals of European descent after exclusion of cases with aglaucoma diagnosis. 1,368,641 protein-altering variants (includingsplice variants) with a minor allele frequency (MAF)<1% for associationwith IOP were examined. Two rare coding variants were significantlyassociated (p-value<5E-08) with decreased IOP (FIG. 1 ): a missensevariant (p.Pro191Arg; MAF=about 1.0%) in son of sevenless 2 (SOS2)associated with reduced IOP (beta_(alleic)=−0.11 standard deviations(SD); p-value=3.39E-08), and a missense variant (p.Gln175His, MAF=about0.7%) in Angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7) also associated with reduced IOP(beta_(allelic)=−0.21 SD, p-value=3.2E-19, FIG. 2A).

A sub-threshold association of a rare, predicted loss-of-function (pLOF)variant (Arg177*, AAF=about 0.03%) in ANGPTL7 with reduced IOP(beta_(allelic)=−0.31 SD, p-value=4.0E-03, FIG. 2B) was also noted.Heterozygous and homozygous carriers of Gln175His in ANGPTL7 have a 5.1%(0.8 mmHg) and 26.5% (4.1 mmHg) reduction in median IOP, respectively(FIG. 2C), and the Arg177* variant conferred a median IOP decrease of 9%(1.4 mmHg) in heterozygous carriers (FIG. 2D). To understand thebiological significance of the decrease in IOP, the effect of ANGPTL7variants on glaucoma risk in UKB, GHS and two additional seriescollected at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM, n=31,203) and a Malmo(MDCS, n=29,483) were examined. Meta-analysis across these cohortsshowed a significant reduction in glaucoma risk in Gln175His carriers(odds ratio (OR_(allelic))=0.74, p-value=1.9E-05, FIG. 2E), and asubthreshold but consistent reduction in risk in carriers of the rarerArg177* variant (OR_(allelic)=0.79, p-value=3.6E-01, FIG. 2F). Takentogether, the associations of missense and pLOF variants in ANGPTL7 withreduced IOP and reduced glaucoma risk support the hypothesis that lossor reduced function of ANGPTL7 results in lower IOP, and protection fromglaucoma.

Gene burden tests were performed to assess whether ultra-rare variantsin ANGPTL7 had, in aggregate, an effect on IOP. The association betweenIOP and a set of 30 pLOF and missense variants predicted deleterious byfive algorithms, excluding Gln175His and Arg177* was examined. A burdentest showed a sub-threshold association with reduced IOP (beta=−0.31,p-value=8.40E-03) suggesting that additional variants in ANGPTL7 couldconfer protection from glaucoma by lowering IOP. However, at the currentsample sizes these associations do not reach statistical significance.FIG. 3 shows the distribution of IOP in carriers of Gln175His, Arg177*and other ultra-rare variants with at least 4 carriers.

ANGPTL7 Variants in Individuals of African Descent

The association between IOP (and glaucoma) and ANGPTL7 variants inindividuals of African ancestry in UKB, MSSM, and the Primary Open AngleAfrican American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study was also analyzed. ApLOF variant (Trp188*) in ANGPTL7 was identified, more prevalent inindividuals of African ancestry (MAF=about 0.27%) compared to Europeans(MAF=about 0.0013%), which trends towards a decrease in IOP(betaallelic=−0.13, p-value=5.3E-01; FIG. 7A), and decrease in risk forglaucoma (ORallelic=0.71, p-value=9.9E-02; FIG. 7B) in a meta-analysisacross two cohorts). A meta-analysis including both Arg177* and Trp188*pLOF variants decreased the p-value for association with glaucoma from1.9E-01 (Arg177* alone) and 9.8E-02 (Trp188* alone) to 6.9E-02 (FIG.7D). Similar results were obtained in regard to IOP (FIG. 7C).

ANGPTL7 Expression in Ocular Tissues Across Species

To identify expression of ANGPTL7 in ocular tissues across differentspecies, transcriptome profiles from different parts of eye weregenerated. High ANGPTL7 expression was observed in cornea, trabecularmeshwork (TM), and sclera in human and African green monkey eyes (FIGS.4A and 4B). High Angptl7 expression was also observed in cornea, TM,sclera, optic nerve, and choroid/RPE in eyes of C57BL/6J mice (FIG. 4C).In situ hybridization on human donor and mouse eyes using RNAScopeprobes for human ANGPTL7 and mouse Angptl7 showed ANGPTL7/Angptl7expression in TM, cornea stroma, and sclera (FIGS. 4D and 4E).

Gene Expression Changes in Human TM Cells Upon Dexamethasone Treatment

Dexamethasone (DEX) treatment is known to lead to many biochemicalchanges at the gene expression level in the TM, including upregulationANGPTL7. To further characterize these previous findings, quantitativePCR (qPCR) was performed on three human TM primary cell lines from threeindependent human eyes treated with vehicle (0.1% ethanol) or DEX (100nM) for 72 hours. qPCR analysis revealed increased expression of ANGPTL7expression in two out of three (FIG. 5 ), suggesting some degree ofvariability in the DEX-induced upregulation of ANGTPL7, consistent withthe observed variation in response to steroid treatment in the generalpopulation.

Angptl7 Increases IOP in Mouse Eyes

Previous studies showed that overexpression of ANGPTL7 in TM cells leadsto changes in extracellular matrix deposition and reorganization (Comeset al., Genes to Cells: Devoted to Molecular & Cellular Mechanisms,2011, 16, 243-259; and Kuchtey, Invest. Ophthalmol. & Visual Sci., 2008,49, 3438-48) and that ANGPTL7 is increased in aqueous humor of glaucomapatients (Kuchtey, Invest. Ophthalmol. & Visual Sci., 2008, 49,3438-48), however, the role of ANGPTL7 in IOP regulation is not clear.To investigate the role of ANGPTL7 in IOP regulation, ANGPTL7 proteinwas injected in mice via intravitreal and intracameral routes andmeasured IOP over time. Intravitreal injection of ANGPTL7 protein inmice led to an initial drop in IOP and then, starting on day 4, to anelevation of IOP of 4-5 mmHg (22-25% compared to baseline) that lasteduntil the end of the experiment on day 7 (FIG. 6A). Similarly,intracameral injection of ANGPTL7 protein in mice led to an initial dropand subsequent elevation (by 2-5 mmHg) of IOP, starting on day 3 untilthe end of the experiment on day 7 (FIG. 6B). Vehicle-injected mice didnot show an increase in IOP in either route of administration.

ANGPTL7 Gln175His and Arg177Stop Exogenous Expression in HEK 293 WholeCell Lysates

Studies were conducted to show the expression of two variants of ANGPTL7(Gln175His and Arg177Stop) in HEK 293 whole cell lysates (FIG. 8A andFIG. 8B). A drastic decrease of the Gln175His variant was observed inthe cell supernatant compared to the wild type ANGPTL7 (FIG. 8C and FIG.8D). In addition, a study was performed to determine whether theArg177Stop variant was able to be secreted in the supernatant (FIG. 8E).Exogenous expression of ANGPTL7 wild type and Gln175His variant inHEK293 showed a comparable intracellular protein level, but a drasticdecrease of secreted Gln175His compared to the wild type ANGPTL7.Expression of Arg177Stop in HEK293 cells showed reduced intracellularprotein level. The Arg177Stop variant was not able to be secreted.

Expression Analysis of ANGPTL7 Gln175His and ANGPTL7 Arg177* in a HEK293Cell Line

In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the expression andsecretion of two variants of ANGPTL7 (Gln175His and Arg177Stop) thatwere identified in genetic association analyses, in HEK293T cells.Plasmids carrying either the ‘wild type’ (non-mutant) ANGPTL7 codingregion or the variations that lead to Gln175His and Arg177Stop mutantforms were introduced into HEK293T. The levels of mRNA of each the wildtype, Gln175His and Arg177Stop ANGPTL7 were measured, and it wasobserved that the Gln175His and Arg177Stop mRNAs were reduced comparedto the wild type (FIG. 9A). Whole cell lysate (FIG. 9B) and the cellsupernatant (FIG. 9D) was probed with an anti-ANGPTL7 polyclonalantibody to determine the levels of the wild type ANGPTL7 and the twomutant proteins. An ELISA assay was performed to quantify the levels ofeach protein in the whole cell lysate (FIG. 9C) and the supernatant(FIG. 9E). The results indicate that the levels of wild type, Gln175Hisand Arg177Stop proteins are not significantly different in the wholecell lysate (FIGS. 9B and 9C), however, there is a drastic reduction inthe amount of Gln175His and Arg177Stop in the supernatant of the cellswhen compared to the wild type protein (FIGS. 9D and 9E). These datasuggest that the Gln175His and Arg177Stop mutations cause ANGPTL7 to besecreted inefficiently in this in vitro system, and are consistent withthe genetic hypothesis that loss or reduction of ANGPTL7 functionresults in reduced intraocular pressure, and protection from glaucoma.

In this study, genetic and functional evidence highlighting inhibitionof ANGPTL7 as a potential strategy for glaucoma therapy aredemonstrated. Through genetic association analyses in Europeans, a rare,missense variant, Gln175His (rs28991009), in ANGPTL7 was identified thatassociated with a decrease in IOP, and with decreased risk for glaucoma.A pLOF variant in ANGPTL7, Arg177* (rs143435072), was also identifiedthat also associated with a decrease in IOP, suggesting that Gln175Hiscarriers are protected from glaucoma through a loss or reduction inANGPTL7 activity. Consistent with this hypothesis, several ultra-rarevariants in ANGPTL7 were associated, in aggregate, with decreased IOP,and an additional ANGPTL7 pLOF variant, Trp188*, was enriched inindividuals of African descent, who also showed a trend towardsprotection from glaucoma. Taken together, the genetic data stronglyimply a causal relationship between downregulation of ANGPTL7 andprotection from glaucoma. The RNA sequencing and in situ hybridizationdata in ocular tissues across mice, humans and the African Green monkeyshowed strongest expression of ANGPTL7 in the cornea and trabecularmeshwork.

Example 3: ANGPTL7 KO Mice

IOP Measurements

Anesthetized IOPs were measured using isoflurane as previously described(Patel et al., Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., 2019, 60, 1967-78; andPatel et al., Am. J. Pathol., 2017). For IOP measurements, mice wereanesthetized before IOP was measured in both eyes using a TonoLabrebound tonometer (Colonial Medical Supply, Franconia, N H). IOPmeasurements for both eyes were completed in 3-5 minutes. Angptl7 KOmice showed IOP lowering (see, FIG. 10 ). IOPs were measured betweenAngptl7 KO, Het, and WT mice. IOPs were significantly lowered in Angptl7KO (15.39 mmHg) compared to Het (16.26 mmHg) and WT (17.36 mmHg) mice.Data are presented as means±SEM, One-way ANOVA, ****P=0.0001. Acorrelation between the genotype of mice and IOP was observed. IOPlowering between Angptl7 KO and WT mice was 1.96±0.21 mmHg (means±SEM;P<0.0001) and between Angptl7 KO and Het mice was 0.87±0.46 mmHg(means±SEM).

Various modifications of the described subject matter, in addition tothose described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended tofall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference (including,but not limited to, journal articles, U.S. and non-U.S. patents, patentapplication publications, international patent application publications,gene bank accession numbers, and the like) cited in the presentapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and forall purposes.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a patient having glaucoma orincreased intraocular pressure (TOP), the method comprisingadministering an angiopoietin like 7 (ANGPTL7) inhibitor to the patient,wherein the ANGPTL7 inhibitor comprises an antisense molecule thathybridizes to a sequence within an ANGPTL7 mRNA or an ANGPTL7 genomicnucleic acid molecule and decreases expression of the ANGPTL7polypeptide in a cell in the patient.
 2. The method according to claim1, wherein the antisense molecule comprises an antisense nucleic acidmolecule, a small interfering RNA (siRNA), or a short hairpin RNA(shRNA) that hybridizes to an ANGPTL7 mRNA.
 3. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising detecting the presence or absence of anANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleic acid moleculeencoding ANGPTL7 Gln175His, ANGPTL7 Arg177Stop, ANGPTL7 Trp188Stop,ANGPTL7 Lys192Gln, ANGPTL7 Phe161Ile, ANGPTL7 Arg340His, ANGPTL7Arg220His, ANGPTL7 Asn302Lys, or ANGPTL7 Arg220Cys in a biologicalsample from the patient; wherein when the patient is ANGPTL7 reference,the patient is also administered a therapeutic agent that treats orinhibits glaucoma or TOP in a standard dosage amount, and when thepatient is heterozygous for an ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-functionvariant, the patient is also administered a therapeutic agent thattreats or inhibits glaucoma or TOP in a dosage amount that is the sameas or lower than the standard dosage amount.
 4. The method according toclaim 3, wherein the ANGPTL7 predicted loss-of-function variant nucleicacid molecule is: a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding to position4,291 according to SEQ ID NO:2, a genomic nucleic acid molecule having anucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at a position corresponding toposition 4,287 according to SEQ ID NO:3, a genomic nucleic acid moleculehaving a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a positioncorresponding to position 4,243 according to SEQ ID NO:132, a genomicnucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence comprising an adenineat a position corresponding to position 4,325 according to SEQ IDNO:133, or a genomic nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequencecomprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position 4,336according to SEQ ID NO:134; an mRNA molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a uracil at a position corresponding to position 529according to SEQ ID NO:5, an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequencecomprising a uracil at a position corresponding to position 525according to SEQ ID NO:6, an mRNA molecule having a nucleotide sequencecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 481according to SEQ ID NO:135, an mRNA molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position563 according to SEQ ID NO:136, or an mRNA molecule having a nucleotidesequence comprising a cytosine at a position corresponding to position574 according to SEQ ID NO:137; or a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisinga thymine at a position corresponding to position 529 according to SEQID NO:8, a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein thecDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprising a thymine at aposition corresponding to position 525 according to SEQ ID NO:9, a cDNAmolecule produced from an mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has anucleotide sequence comprising an adenine at a position corresponding toposition 481 according to SEQ ID NO:138, a cDNA molecule produced froman mRNA molecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequencecomprising an adenine at a position corresponding to position 563according to SEQ ID NO:139, or a cDNA molecule produced from an mRNAmolecule, wherein the cDNA molecule has a nucleotide sequence comprisinga cytosine at a position corresponding to position 574 according to SEQID NO:140.